Abstract:

Objective: To observe the effect of QingNaoZhiTong JiaoNang(QNZTJN) on the expressions of inflammatory cytokines in midbrain tissue and plasma of nitroglycerin(NGT)-induced migraine rats and its significance. Methods: Atotal of 90 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,low dose(0.35 g·kg^-1),middle dose(0.70 g·kg^-1),high dose(1.40 g·kg^-1) of QNZTJN groups and positive drug (Zhengtian Wan,1.8 g·kg^-1) control group(n=15).After treated with drugs for 7 d,the migraine models were induced by injecting of NTG into the rats;the forelimb scratching frequency of the rats during 180 min of NTG injection.The midbrain tissue and plasma were obtained 4 h later.The expression levels of nuckear factor kappa B(NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase 2(COX-2) in brain tissue of the rats were detected by immunohistochemistry method and Western blotting method;the levels of prostaglandin E₂(PGE₂),interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the midbrain tissue and plasma of the rats were detected by enzyme immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared with control group,the forelimb scratching frequency of the rats in model group was significantly increased(P<0.01),the levels of NF-κB and COX-2 in midbrain tissue were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the levels of PGE,IL-1β and TNF-a were increased in brain tissue and plasma(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with model group,the forelimb scratching frequencies of the rats in middle and high doses of QNZTJN groups and positive drug control group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),the levels of NF-κB and COX-2 in brain tissue were also significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The levels of PGE2,IL-1β and TNF-a in plasma were decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: QNZTJN can relieve the migraine attacks and prevent migraine partly and its mechanism may be related to regulating the neurogenic inflammation.

Key words: QingNaoZhiTong JiaoNang, migraine, nuclear factor kappa B, cyclooxygenase 2