Effect of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis on the hemodynamics of restenosis of blood vessel in rat

Objective To investigate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis on the hemodynamics and pathological features of arterial wall in restenosis of blood vessel in rats in order to find the potential mechanism of the effect of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis in preventing restenosis after ablation of intima. Method Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (6 each):control group (C),model group (M),Astragalus membranaceus treatment group (H),Angelica sinensis treatment group (D),and combined Astragalus membranaceus with Angelica sinensis treatment group (HD). The restenosis model was reproduced by denuding rat's aorta endothelium with balloon catheter in all the groups except group C. After intramuscular injection of Astragalus membranaceus 0.42ml/(kg·d) in group H,Angelica sinensis 0.21ml/(kg·d) in group D,and Astragalus membranaceus 0.42ml/(kg·d) together with Angelica sinensis 0.21ml/(kg·d) in group HD for 21 days,the changes in hemodynamics and the pathological features of arterial wall were observed in all the groups. Result Compared with rats of group C,in which the intima was smooth and the smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in media were orderly arranged,the intimal thickness of aorta,pulsatile index (PI) and resistance index (RI) increased,while the diameter of lumen,blood velocity decreased remarkably in group M. Compared with the rats in group M,the extent of hyperplasia and thickness was notably reduced,RI and PI were lower while blood velocity was lowered in group H,D and HD after being treated for 21 days. Conclusion Hyperplasia induced by remaval of endothelial cells may be reduced and blood circulation may be improved to different extents by individually or simultaneously use of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis,thus preventing restenosis of the aorta after removal of its intima.