Objective: To investigate the effects of Shuwei Decoction (, SWD) on gastric emptying, serum stem cell factor (SCF), the content of serum nitric oxide (NO), and structure change of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in functional dyspepsia (FD) rats.
Methods: Sixty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: blank group (group A), model group (group B), mosapride group (group C), Muxiang Shunqi Pill (, MSP) group (group D), SWD low-dose group (group E), and SWD high-dose group (group F), 10 rats in each group. FD rat model was established by clasping rats' tails for 7 days, except the group A. After 3 days, group A and group B were given distilled water, and the medicated rats were given corresponding medicine for 14 days. The gastric emptying, structure change of ICC in gastric antrum by transmission electron microscope, the content of serum NO by nitrate reductant and SCF by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were observed.
Results: Compared with group A, the rats in group B delayed gastric emptying, serum SCF decreased, serum NO increased (P <0.05). Compared with group B, the rats in groups D, E and F were improved on gastric emptying, obviously increased on serum SCF, decreased on serum NO (P <0.05), and structure change of ICC in gastric antrum improved. Compared with group B, structure change of ICC of group E after treatment was improved and was closed to group A.
Conclusion: SWD recovered gastrointestinal motility of FD, possibly by regulating the levels of serum NO and SCF, and improving the structure of ICC in gastric antrum.
Keywords: Chinese medicine; Shuwei Decoction; functional dyspepsia; gastric emptying; interstitial cells of Cajal; nitric oxide; stem cell factor.