Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2018, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (8): 1417-1424.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.235297

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Xuefu Zhuyu decoction improves neurological dysfunction by increasing synapsin expression after traumatic brain injury

Lin Zhu1, Tao Tang1, Rong Fan1, Jie-Kun Luo1, Han-Jin Cui1, Chun-Hu Zhang1, Wei-Jun Peng2, Peng Sun3, Xin-Gui Xiong1, Yang Wang1   

  1. 1 Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China;
    2 Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China;
    3 College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
  • Received:2018-04-08 Online:2018-08-15 Published:2018-08-15
  • Contact: Yang Wang, Ph.D., M.D.,wangyang_xy87@csu.edu.cn.
  • Supported by:

    This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81673719, 81173175 and 81303074; a grant from China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, No. 2016M600639 and 2017T100614.

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Abstract:

Xuefu Zhuyu decoction has been used for treating traumatic brain injury and improving post-traumatic dysfunction, but its mechanism of action needs further investigation. This study established rat models of traumatic brain injury by controlled cortical impact. Rat models were intragastrically administered 9 and 18 g/kg Xuefu Zhuyu decoction once a day for 14 or 21 days. Changes in neurological function were assessed by modified neurological severity scores and the Morris water maze. Immunohistochemistry, western blot assay, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze synapsin protein and mRNA expression at the injury site of rats. Our results showed that Xuefu Zhuyu decoction visibly improved neurological function of rats with traumatic brain injury. These changes were accompanied by increased expression of synaptophysin, synapsin I, and postsynaptic density protein-95 protein and mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. These findings indicate that Xuefu Zhuyu decoction increases synapsin expression and improves neurological deficits after traumatic brain injury.

Key words: nerve regeneration, traumatic brain injury, Xuefu Zhuyu decoction, neurological dysfunction, synapsin, synaptophysin, synapsin I, postsynaptic density protein-95, neuroprotection, neural regeneration