Effect Of Astragalus Injection On Retrograde Degeneration Of Red Nucleus Neurons In Rats

Objective:To explore the effect and mechanism of Astragalus Injection on retrograde degeneration of Red nucleus neurons.Methods:(1)48SD adult rats were randomly divided into4groups averagely: normal group (group A),sham group(group B),experimental group (group C) and the control group (group D). After injured in the lateral funiculus of spinal cord between C3and C4, group C received Astragalus Injection intraperitoneally and group D was given normal saline.4weeks later, BDA was injected into the nucleus ruber to detect the capability of anterograde axoplasmic transport. Shape and numbers of the nucleus rubber were observed with cresyl violet staining.(2) Nucleus ruber neurons,isolated from the16-17d fetal rat,were cultured in vitro. They were randomly divided into4groups:Astragalus high dose (10g/L) group (group A),Astragalus middle dose (5g/L) group(group B),Astragalus low dose (2.5g/L) group (group C) and the control group (group D). Recorded the opposite gray value of the neurons with BDNF immunocytochemical staining,and detected the supernatant fluid with BDNF ELISA kit after12 hours. Calculated the neurons with Nissl staining after48hours.Results:(1)The opposite area and gray value of axons decreased more remarkably in the control group than in the experimental group (P<0.01);(2) The numbers and average cross-sectional area of neurons decreased in the control group than in the experimental group (P<0.01);(3)The numbers of neurons with Nissl staining increased in the Astragalus high dose,Astragalus middle dose and Astragalus low dose than in the control group (P<0.01);(4)BDNF and opposite gray value increased more remarkably in the Astragalus high dose and Astragalus middle dose than in the other two groups(P<0.01);(5)BDNF in the culture fluid increased with the dose of the Astragalus,especially in the Astragalus high dose group and middle dose group(P＜0.O1).Conclusion:. Astragalus Injection can protect the injured nucleus ruber neurons. There may be the mechanism by increasing BDNF expression.