Optimal timing for the oral administration of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction based on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic targeting of the pancreas in rats with acute pancreatitis

Figure 1 Concentration-time curves of the eight components of Da-Cheng-Qi decoction in plasma of the rats with acute pancreatitis. Rats (n = 6 per group) were orally dosed with DCQD (10 mL/kg.BW). Plasma samples were collected from the tails at 10 min, 20 min, 40 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h and 24 h after a single dosage of DCQD. Plasma concentrations of the components of DCQD were determined by HPLC-MS/MS. The results are presented as the mean ± SD. NG(a): the sham-operated group with the dosing time 4 h after operation; 4hG(a), 12hG(a) and 24hG(a): the dosing times were 4 h, 12 h and 24 h, respectively, after AP induction. AP: Acute pancreatitis; DCQD: Da-Cheng-Qi decoction; HPLC-MS/MS: High-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy.

Figure 2 Da-Cheng-Qi decoction elevated IL-10 levels and lowered IL-6 levels in serum of the rats with acute pancreatitis. Rats (n = 6 per group) in the three treatment groups were orally dosed with DCQD (10 mL/kg.BW) 4 h, 12 h and 24 h after AP induction. Serum samples were collected at 24 h after a single dosage of DCQD. The results are presented as the mean ± SD. NG(b): the sham-operated group; MG(b): the model group or the control group; 4hG(b), 12hG(b) and 24hG(b): rats were orally dosed with DCQD 4 h, 12 h and 24 h, respectively, after AP induction. AP: Acute pancreatitis; DCQD: Da-Cheng-Qi decoction.

Figure 3 Pathological damages in the pancreatic tissues and changes in the serum amylase concentration. Rats (n = 6 per group) were orally administered DCQD (10 mL/kg.BW) 4 h, 12 h and 24 h after AP induction. Pancreatic tissues were collected for staining with hematoxylin-eosin (A, × 200) 24 h after a single dosage of DCQD; B: Pathological scores of the pancreatic tissues. Serum amylase was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (C and D). The results are presented as the mean ± SD. ^aP < 0.05 vs NG(a). NG(a/b): the sham-operated group; MG(b): the model group or the control group; 4hG(a/b) 12hG(a/b), and 24hG(a/b): rats were orally dosed with DCQD 4 h, 12 h and 24 h, respectively, after AP induction. AP: Acute pancreatitis; DCQD: Da-Cheng-Qi decoction.