title: The prescriptions from Shenghui soup enhanced neurite growth and GAP-43 expression level in PC12 cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Shenghui soup is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used in clinic for the treatment of forgetfulness. In order to understanding the prescription principle, the effects of "tonifying qi and strengthening spleen" group (TQSS) including Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf. and Panax ginseng C.A.Mey and "eliminating phlegm and strengthening intelligence" group (EPSI) composed of Polygala tenuifolia Willd., Acorus calamus L. and Sinapis alba L from the herb complex on neurite growth in PC12 cells, two disassembled prescriptions derived from Shenghui soup and their molecular mechanisms were investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Firstly, CCK-8 kit was used to detect the impact of the two prescriptions on PC12 cell viability; and Flow cytometry was performed to measure the cell apoptosis when PC12 cells were treated with these drugs. Secondly, the effect of the two prescriptions on the differentiation of PC12 cells was observed. Finally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of GAP-43 were analyzed by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  "Tonifying qi and strengthening spleen" prescription decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, but had no significant effect on cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, it could improve neurite growth and elevate the mRNA and protein expression level of GAP-43. "Eliminating phlegm and strengthening intelligence" prescription also exerted the similar effects on cell viability and apoptosis. Furthermore, it could also enhance cell neurite growth, with a higher expression level of GAP-43 mRNA and protein.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  "Tonifying qi and strengthening spleen" and "eliminating phlegm and strengthening intelligence" prescriptions from Shenghui soup have a positive effect on neurite growth. Their effects are related to the up-regulating expression of GAP-43.
authors.affiliation: School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 3rd North Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Qi
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 3rd North Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Zi-Jian
authors.initials: ZJ
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 3rd North Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Xing-Hua
authors.initials: XH
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 3rd North Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.affiliation: School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 3rd North Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Yue-Han
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Song
authors.affiliation: School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 3rd North Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Mi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.affiliation: School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 3rd North Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Sen-Xiang
authors.initials: SX
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 3rd North Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 3rd North Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Ao-Zhe
authors.initials: AZ
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 3rd North Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China. Lifeng95@vip.sina.com.
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 3rd North Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China. hqianz@aliyun.com.
authors.forename: Qian
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Hua
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019922:GAP-43 Protein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects*; D016501:Neurites / Q000187:drug effects*; D016716:PC12 Cells; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D019922:GAP-43 Protein; D012333:RNA, Messenger
keywords: GAP-43; Neurite; PC12 cells; Shenghui soup