The Effect and Mechanism of the Qingying Decoction on Endotoxin Induced Fever in Rabbits

Abstract:

Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of Qingying decoction on endotoxin fever in rabbits. Method: First, rabbit fever model was established by Escherichia coli endotoxin. Then rabbits were treated with Qing Ying decoction high dose, low dose to observe the animals symptoms and changes of body temperature; and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) content in serum, thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) and 6-ketone-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1α) levels were measured in plasma by radioimmunoassay, and, and plasma tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), and tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity were determined by chromogenic substrate method. Result: Qingying decoction of both high dose group and low dose group had a significant antipyretic effect on endotoxin fever in rabbits (P<0.01), could markedly inhibit TNF-α, TXB₂ levels(P<0.05 or P<0.01) and lower PAI activity (P<0.01), increase 6-keto-PGF1α content and t-PA activity (P<0.01)in fever rabbits. Conclusion: Qingying decoction has antipyretic circulation effect on endotoxin fever in rabbits. It may play the role of antipyretic circulation by inhibiting the release of pyrogenic cytokines and regulating the secretory function of vascular endothelial cells in febrile rabbits.