[Effects of extract of Buddleja officinalis on prevention of dry eye in castrated rabbits].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the preventive effects of extract of Buddleja officinalis on dry eye in castrated rabbits and to discuss the mechanism of these effects.


METHODS
It was a experimental study. Thirty male rabbits were divided equally into normal group (A), disease group (B) and treatment group (C, D, and E). The dry eye model was established with orchiectomy (ORX) in Group B, C, D and E. Group C, D and E were gastrically perfused with single-dose or double-does of Buddleja officinalis extract or genistein for 30 days. All rabbits were examined with Schirmer I test (SIT). TGF-beta1, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, Fas, FasL, Bax and bcl-2 were detected by immunohistochemistry. Morphological and ultrastructure changes were observed by electron microscopy.


RESULTS
The SIT value of group C, D, E was significantly greater than that of group B (P < 0.01). The expression of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, Fas, FasL and Bax in acinar cells and glandular tube cells of group C, D, E were significantly lower than those of group B (P < 0.01) and the expression of TGF-beta1 and bcl-2 in acinar cells and glandular tube cells of group C, D, E were significantly higher than those of group B (P < 0.01). Furthermore, ultrastructure of lacrimal gland in group C, D, E was much healthier than that of group B. The results obtained from all of these studies showed that the lacrimal glands status in group C, D was significantly better than that of group E (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Extract of Buddleja officinalis has a significant effect on the prevention of experimental dry eye in castrated male rabbits. The main components of extract of Buddleja officinalis are the flavonoids. The flavonoids display androgen-like activity. Therefore, it can adjust gonadal hormone level in vivo. As a result, it can inhibit local inflammation in lacrimal gland and reduce apoptosis of lacrimal gland cells.
Peng
Qing-Hua
QH
The First Hospital affiliated to Hunan University of TCM, Changsha 410007, China.
Yao
Xiao-lei
XL
Wu
Quan-long
QL
Chen
Mei
M
D000818:Animals; D032861:Buddleja / Q000737:chemistry*; D047309:Flavones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011817:Rabbits; D014985:Xerophthalmia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control
D047309:Flavones; D010936:Plant Extracts