[Mechanism of Dahuang Zhechong pill against atherosclerosis induced by balloon angioplasty in rabbits].
To study the mechanism of Dahuang Zhechong pill (DHZCP) against atherosclerosis induced by balloon angioplasty in rabbits. Atherosclerosis model was established by the combination of balloon angioplasty-induced endothelial injury and high cholesterol feeding in rabbit. Male New Zealand rabbits were divided into six groups randomly: normal control, sham, model, positive control and two doses of DHZCP-treated groups. Rabbits in DHZCP-treated groups were intragastrically administered 0.9 and 1.8 g/kg DHZCP for 60 days respectively,and rabbits in positive control group were given 0.5 g/kg Danshen. MDA, NO levels and SOD activity in serum, and MPO activity in the vascular wall were determined with spectrophotometry. Expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and BCL-2 in the vascular wall were detected by SP immuohistochemical technique. Compared with the model group, DHZCP significantly reduced serum MDA level and MPO activity in the vascular wall, increased serum NO level and SOD activity,and inhibited PCNA and BCL-2 expressions in the vascular wall. DHZCP inhibits the formation and development of atherosclerosis through anti-oxidative action, protecting endothelium from injury,inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells.