Research Of TCM 'Heart Storing Spirit' Theory And Tianwang Buxin Dan's Effects On Senile Insomnia Model In Rats

ObjectiveTo study etiology and pathogenesis of senile insomnia theoretically and TWBXD's effects on senile insomnia model in rats, its effects and mechanism were elucidated by observing rank correlation index such as learning and memory level, ANP and BNP. Thus, the experiment basis of TCM treating for senile insomnia was provided. And also, on this basis therory of the heart and brain' s controling the mental activities together was tried to elucidated.MethodsThe rats were randomly divided into four groups:control group (A group), model group (B group), estazolam group (C group), TWBXD (D group),10 animals each. After rats adapting to routine feeding, D- galactose(120 mg.kg-1) was subcutaneously injected in nape for 6 w, and then sleep was deprived by multiple platform method, then 30mg.kg-1 caffeine was intraperitoneal injected for 7 d. The detected indexes were as follows:1. The TWBXD's effects of learning and memory ability and space exploration ability on senile insomnia model in rats were observed by Morris water maze behavioral test.2. ANP level in serum was tested by radioimmunoassay. 3. BNP level in brain tissue was tested by fluorescent quantitative PCR assay.Results1. Behavioral tests showed, no matter from the place navigation tests which reflecting space learning and memory ability and from the spatial probe tests which reflecting information storying ability, the model group and positive group had statistically difference from TWBXD group (P<0.01). However, TWBXD group had no significant statistical difference from positive group (P>0.01).2. ANP level of model group had reduced significantly compared with control group (P<0.01). ANP level of TWBXD, estazolam and model group had increased more or less. Serum ANP level of estazolam and TWBXD group had great difference from model group (P<0.01).3. BNP positive expression of model group was significantly higher than other groups (P<0.01). BNP expression of TWBXD group was significantly lower than model group (P<0.01). The expression of TWBXD and positive groups were also increased more or less (P<0.01), but there was no difference between two groups (P>0.05). The expression of TWBXD group had reduced the most significantly of all (P<0.01).ConclusionSenile insomnia are always with heart and kidney weakness, yin efficiency and blood less, internal disturbance of deficient fire, so the effective treating method is invigorating heart, tranquilizing mind, nourishing yin and clearing away heat. TWBXD could improve learning and memory ability of old SD rats, reduce serum ANP content of model rats, and inhibit BNP high expression. It was indicated that ANP, BNP played an important role in senile insomnia model in rats.