Zhonghua Shao Shang Za Zhi. 2000 Oct; 16(5): 289-91.

[The effect of Shenmai injection on the expression of TNFalpha mRNA of the macrophages in scalded mice]

Gao C, Wang R, Liu D.

Tangshan Worker's Hospital, Tangshan 063000, P.R. China.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Shenmai injection on the expression of TNFalpha mRNA of peritoneal macrophages in scalded mice. METHODS: BALB/c mice inflicted with 11% TBSA III degree scalding injury were employed as the model. Shenmai injection was composed of 100 mg of red ginseng and 100 mg of lily turf root in 1 ml injection solution and was administered to mice via peritoneal injection in a dose of 2.5 ml per kilogram of mice body weight per day for 5 days. The expression of TNFalpha mRNA was determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: The expression of macrophage TNFalpha mRNA was significantly increased in the scalded mice, while the expression was obviously lowered after the administration of Shenmai injection (P < 0.01) to scalded mice and the survival rate of the scalded mice was thus markedly increased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The beneficial effect of Shenmai injection on the scalded mice might be related to its inhibitory effect on the hyperexpression of macrophage TNFalpha mRNA. Shenmai injection could lower down the expression of TNFalpha in scalded mice and raise the survival rate of scalded mice.