Experimental Papers
Copyright ©The Author(s) 1996. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Sep 15, 1996; 2(3): 136-138
Published online Sep 15, 1996. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v2.i3.136
Pharmacology of novel Chinese medicines screened for treatment of severe acute pancreatitis
Lian-Gen Zhao, Xiao-Xian Wu, Zuo-Ming Zhu, Yu-Ling Chen, Fu-Sen Liu, Jia-Tong Chen
Lian-Gen Zhao, Xiao-Xian Wu, Yu-Ling Chen, Institute of Acute Abdomen, Tianjin 300100, China
Zuo-Ming Zhu, Fu-Sen Liu, Jia-Tong Chen, Nankai University, Tianjin 300100, China
Lian-Gen Zhao, Director of Laboratory of Surgical Research, Institute of Acute Abdomen, Tianjin, conducts research in experimental treatment of acute pancreatitis and the therapeutic principle of Huoxue Huayu. He has published 40 articles and 3 books. Born in 1938, Tangshan, Hebei province, Graduated in 1962 from Pathophysiology Department of the Chinese Medical University.
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Dr. Lian-Gen Zhao, Professor, Institute of Acute Abdomen, Tianjin 300100, China
Telephone: +86-22-7300021
Received: June 2, 1996
Revised: July 26, 1996
Accepted: August 6, 1996
Published online: September 15, 1996
Abstract

AIM: To screen the enzyme-inhibition and observe the pharmacologic effects of circulation-improving Chinese medicines on intestinal and pancreatic hemodynamics.

METHODS: In vitro screening of the amylase-and lipase-inhibiting effects of nine Chinese traditional medicines was carried out. Each extract was prepared following methods described by LIN Qi-Shou. Tests of the inhibition of trypsin and elastase activity were carried out by following methods described by ZHANG Tian-Min s and JIANG Chuan-Kui. A Modified Leslie method was used determine the effects of the best circulation-improving Chinese herb, Tao-Ren (Semen Persicae), and its extract (HHI-I), on intestinal hemodynamics. An electromagnetic flowmeter was used to measure intestinal blood flow and and a blood oxygen meter was used to measure oxygen consumption. A laser Doppler microcirculation dynamic analyzer was used for to measurement the effect of HHI-I on pancreatic microcirculation, and a tissue oxygen meter was used to measure changes of pancreatic oxygen partial pressure.

RESULTS: Of the nine Chinese traditional medicines, Yuan-Hu (Rhizome Corydalis) had the most potent inhibitory activity on both amylase and lipase activity, followed by Da Huang, Zhi Zi, Huang Qin, and Hang Shao. Canine experiments found that Huoxue Huayu (HHI-I) improved intestinal hemodynamics. Intestinal blood flow 20 min after infusion of HHI-I, was 225.0 ± 68.51 mL/min, which was significantly higher than that before infusion (201.34 ± 70.21 mL/min, P < 0.05). Blood flow increased to 245.40 ± 82.78 mL/min (P < 0.05) at 40 min and 252.20 ± 82.41 mL/min (P < 0.01). 60 min after infusion. Intestinal oxygen consumption also increased significantly, to 5.33 ± 2.57 mL/min at 60 min after infusion, compared with (2.72 ± 1.09 mL/min (P < 0.05) at baseline. HHI-I improved pancreatic microcirculation and tissue oxygen partial pressure. The basal microcirculatory blood flow of 20.4 ± 5.0 mL/min/100 g body weight increased to 49.0 ± 9.0 mL/min/100g body weight 20 min after administration (P < 0.05). Blood flow increase further to 51.0 ± 7.97 mL/min/100 g body weight (P < 0.01) at 40 min and 54.8 ± 15.51 mL/min/100 g body weight (P < 0.01) at 60 min. Pancreatic oxygen partial pressure was 6.21 ± 0.94 kPa at baseline, rose to 7.55 ± 1.40 kPa at 20 min (P < 0.01), 7.65 ± 1.76 kPa (P < 0.05) at 40 min, and 7.67 ± 1.64 kPa (P < 0.01) at 60 min after HHI-I administration. In the control group, saline administration had no significant effect of the indices.

CONCLUSION: Yuan-Hu and Tao-Ren used together have the potential to become novel, effective medicines

Keywords: Pancreatitis treatment, Yuan hu, Tao ren