Cellular and Molecular Biology
Open Access

Research Article

Panax Notoginsenosides Attenuates Pleural Inflammation in Rabbit Model

to investigate the effect of intrapleural PNS on rabbit pleural inflammation reaction, and determine the levels of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Forty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups. The rabbit pleural inflammation reaction model was established by injection of tetracycline hydrochloride solution into pleural cavity. Then PNS, urokinase (UK) and PBS were injected into the pleural cavity as experiment groups. While tetracycline hydrochloride solution was replaced by phosphate buffer solution (PBS) as control group. The pleural effusion was collected at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h in all groups, and then biochemical indicators, TGF-β1 and VEGF were detected. On day 14, all animals were killed and pleural tissues were collected to perform hematoxylin eosin (HE) and Masson trichrome staining. The results indicated that levels of TGF-β1 and VEGF were significantly lower in PNS group than that in UK group and PBS group (P<0.05); and the levels of VEGF were maximum at 48 h in three experimental groups. The thickness of pleural was thinner in PNS group, and the number of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts was also decreased in PNS group. In conclusion, PNS could reduce production of TGF-β1 and VEGF, reduce number of inflammatory cells and fibroblast, and inhibit collagen production, which had better effects compared with UK. Our findings provide a new treatment strategy for inflammation reaction.