Effect of Astragalus Injection on Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1 and CollagenIIIand Fibronectin in Airway Wall of Sensitized Rats

Objective To investigate the effect of astragalus injection(AGI)on airway remodeling in sensi- tized rats.Methods Twenty-four Wistar male rats were randomly divided into the control group(CG),the sensi- tized group(SG)and the AGI treated group(AG),with eight rats in each group.The sensitized rats model were established by intraperitoneal injection with ovalbumin,and to provoke the asthmatic attack two weeks later with 1% ovalbumin aerosol inhalation.AGI was given at a dose of 5g/kg with intraperitoneal injection every day before provoking in AG.While the rats in CG received the same treatment but with normal saline instead of ovalbumin. The level of collagenⅢ(Ⅲ),fibronectin(FN)in airway wall,the protein and mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β_1)in epithelial cells were measured with immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridiza- tion.Results All the above-mentioned parameters in SG were significantly different to those in CG(P＜0.01). While in AG,they were higher than those in CG,and showed significant difference in comparing with those in SG. (P＜0.01).Conclusion Astragalus can postpone the process of airway remodeling by way of inhibiting airway inflammation,partly down-regulating the protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-β_1 and depressing the over deposi- tion of collagenⅢand FN in extra cell matrix.