Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2000 Oct; 20(10): 753-6.

[Study on the regulatory effect of Chinese herbal medicine on peritoneal lymphatic stomata and in enhancing drainage of ascites in mice with liver fibrosis]

Li J, Yuan S, Zhao J.

Department of Lymphology, Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the regulatory effect of Chinese herbal medicine on peritoneal lymphatic stomata in carbon tetrachloride induced mouse model of liver fibrosis and its significance in treating ascites. METHODS: (1) To form the mouse model of liver fibrosis by intragastric administration of carbon tetrachloride. (2) Two kinds of Chinese herbal compound prescriptions were given separately by gastrogavage to observe their effect on prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. (3) Hematoxylin and eosin and van Gieson staining were used in the observation of pathology and histology. (4) Scanning electronmicroscope and computer image processing were used. (5) urinary volume and sodium ion concentration were measured. RESULTS: The fibrotic change of the mouse models was alleviated with using both the prevention or treatment groups of the two compound prescriptions. The diameter of lymphatic stomata enlarged with increased number of opening and density of distribution. Urinary volume and sodium ion excretion increased after treatment. The effects displayed more significant in the group treated by compound prescription. CONCLUSION: Both kinds of Chinese herbal compound prescriptions have marked effect in alleviating liver fibrosis, regulating peritoneal lymphatic stomata, improving the drainage from the peritoneal cavity, causing increase of urinary volume and sodium ion excretion to reduce the water and sodium retention, and thus have favorable therapeutic effect in treating ascites.