[Effects of Gansu Dangshen decoction on the immune function of D-galactose induced aging mice]

Abstract

Objective: To study the effect of Chinese herb Dangshen decoction on the immune function of D-galactose-induced aging mice.

Methods: A total of 60 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, namely normal control group, aging model group, high and low concentration Dangshen treated groups, vitamin E control group. Aging mice models were made by D-galactose. We weighed all mice, determined their indexes of the spleen and thymus, observed the ultrastructure of the spleen, and detected the expression of CD138 by immunohistochemistry. The levels of serum IgG, IgM and complement C3 and C4 were detected by ELISA.

Results: Compared with normal control group, the aging mice had lower indexes of the spleen and thymus (P<0.01). Compared with aging mice, the indexes rose significantly in Dangshen treated groups and vitamin E group (P<0.01). Furthermore, the lymphocytes of the spleen were injured obviously in the aging mice, but the ultrastructure of spleen got repaired in Dangshen treated groups and vitamin E group, especially high-concentration Dangshen treated group that presented the lymphocytes nearly as normal as the normal control group. In addition, compared with the normal control group, the aging mice showed a lower expression of CD138 in the spleen(P<0.01), and the levels of IgG, IgM and complement C3 and C4 dropped sharply (P<0.01 or P<0.05). However, they were all significantly higher in the high concentration Dangshen group than in the aging mice (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and were not statistically different between the low concentration Dangshen group and the vitamin E group (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The decoction of Chinese herb Dangshen in Gansu can enhance the immune function of D-galactoce-induced aging mice.