[Study on the mechanism by which Rhubarb protects the mucosal barrier of intestine of mouse].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the influence of Rhubarb on the the excretion of Type II PLA2 and lysozyme of small intestine of mouse.


METHODS
Forty ICR mice were randomized to two groups. In the experiment group, the mice were gavaged with 0.3 ml 10% Rhubarb decoction every 8 hours; in the control group, the mice were given normal saline instead of Rhubarb decoction. After 24 hours, the mice were subjected to cervical dislocation, and their jejunum and ileum were taken out. The lumen of each resected intestine was rinsed with 100 g/L acetic acid, and the washed intestines from each mouse were cut into pieces 1-2 mm in length. Then the perfusate and homogenate were prepared, lyophilized, sealed, and stored at -20 degrees C. The Type II PLA2 activity and lysozyme were assayed respectively.


RESULTS
The Type II PLA2 activities and lysozyme of homogenate in Rhubarb group were lower than those in Saline group (P<0.01). The type II PLA2 activities and lysozyme of perfusate in Rhubarb group were higher than those in Saline group (P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Rhubarb can stimulate the small intestine of mice to excrete Type II PLA2 and lysozyme, thus resulting in the increase of Type II PLA2 and lysozyme contents in the intestinal tract and enhancing the function of mucosal barrier of intestine.
Li
Yu
Y
Biotherapy Department of Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Chen
Xiao-li
XL
Zhang
Zheng
Z
Huang
Xing-lan
XL
Yan
Zhao-ping
ZP
D000818:Animals; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D054501:Group II Phospholipases A2; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D009113:Muramidase / Q000378:metabolism*; D010741:Phospholipases A / Q000378:metabolism*; D054467:Phospholipases A2; D011897:Random Allocation; D012250:Rheum
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D010741:Phospholipases A; D054501:Group II Phospholipases A2; D054467:Phospholipases A2; D009113:Muramidase