[The effects of zhubi capsule on adjuvant arthritis in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Zhubi capsule on adjuvant arthritis (AA) in rats.

METHOD: The model of rat was induced by intradermal injection of CFA. The perimeter of ankle joint was measured at different time points. Con A-induced splencyte proliferation was examined by MIT assay and the expression of IL-1, IL-6 in synovium was determined by immunohistochemical method.

RESULT: After the preventive administration of Zhubi capsule (5.2, 2.6, 1.3 g x kg x d(-1), x 25 d), it was found that Zhubi capsule significantly inhibited the primary and secondary ankle joint swelling. The increased Con A-induced splencyte proliferation reaction and the activated IL1, IL-6 expression of AA rat were suppressed by the treatment with Zhubi capsule.

CONCLUSION: Zhubi capsule has a therapeutic effect on AA rats, and its mechanism is related to the immunoregulative function.