Effect of bushen huoxue decoction on E2 and vasomotor function

AIM:To observe the effect of bushen huoxue decoction (BHD) on serum E2 and vasomotor function of ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Fifty-six adult female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups including eight rats each: control group, sham operated group, model group, ovariectomy plus BHD in high-, medium-, low-dose groups, and ovariectomy plus tibolone group (tibolone group). Estradiol, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in serum of the rats were measured by using immunoassay. After delivery of noradrenaline (NE) and acetylcholine (Ach), the effect of BHD on vasomotor function of rat abdominal aorta was observed in vitro. Hematoxylin/eosin staining was used to observe the structural changes of abdominal aorta. RESULTS: Compared with those in the model group, levels of serum E2 in BHD groups remarkably increased (P<0.05) and FSH and LH levels were observably reduced (P<0.05). Vasoconstrictor responses to abdominal aorta were reduced in the model group and, after NE intervention, the vascular tension in the model group significantly increased (P<0.05). Vascular compliance and diastolic function in BHD groups were improved, especially in the high-dose group. Compared with those in the model group, vascular smooth muscle cells were in clearer and with better structure and neatly and closely arranged in BHD groups. No significant difference was found compared with those in tibolone group. CONCLUSION: BHD relieves the abdominal aorta vasoconstrictor response to NE, improves vasomotor functions and reduces the extent of damage to the vascular structure. Its mechanism may be associated with increased E2 content.