Regulation of Interleukin-6 Receptor α Level and Its mRNA Expression in Cerebral Tissues of Spleen Deficiency Rats by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Invigorating Qi and Strengthening Body Resistance

Objective To observe the levels of interleukin-6 receptor α(IL-6Rα) and its mRNA expression in cerebral tissues of spleen deficiency rats,and to explore the effects of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) for invigorating qi and strengthening body resistance.Methods Forty SPF grade,male Wistar rats were divided into normal group,model group,treatment group 1(treated with Sijunzi Decoction,a famous TCM for invigorating spleen qi),and treatment group 2(treated with Yupingfeng Decoction,a famous TCM for invigorating qi to consolidate superficial resistance).The animal model of spleen deficiency syndrome was induced by composite factors such as damaging vital qi using purgative drugs,improper diets,and over exertion.The level of IL-6Rα in cerebral tissues was assayed using immunohistochemistry method,and the expression level of IL-6Rα mRNA expression was determined using in situ hybridization.Results Compared with those in normal group,the levels of IL-6Rα and IL-6Rα mRNA expression in CA1 region of the hippocampus and ventral nucleus of the hypothalamus in model group were significantly increased(P0.01).Compared with those in model group,the levels of IL-6Rα and IL-6Rα mRNA expression in treatment group 1 and treatment group 2 were significantly decreased(P0.01).There were nonsignificant differences in the levels of IL-6Rα and IL-6Rα mRNA expression between treatment group 1 and treatment group 2.Conclusion Spleen deficiency syndrome could lead to abnormality of IL-6Rα level and IL-6Rα mRNA expression level;Sijunzi Decoction and Yupingfeng Decotion,both of which are famous TCM for invigorating qi and strengthening body resistance,could improve the defense function of human body by regulating the levels of IL-6Rα and IL-6Rα mRNA expression.