Objective:

2

To elevate the effects of Qingxuan Jiangya Decoction (清眩降压汤

QXJYD) on hypertension and vascular structural remodeling (VSR) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs)

and investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods:

2

SHRs (

n

=8) were given intra-gastric administration with 60 mg/kg of QXJYD or saline

daily for 8 weeks

while rats in SHR-control (

n

=8) and WKY (

n

=8) groups were received equal volumes of saline solution. Systolic blood pressures (SBP)

diastolic blood pressures (DBP) and mean blood pressures (MBP) were measured once a week. The levels of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)

endothelin 1 (ET-1) and plasma renin activity (PRA) were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay

respectively. The effect of QXJYD on VSR was determined by examining the media thickness and the ex vivo contractility of thoracic aortic. The proliferation and fibrosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were examined via immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)

collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ

respectively. The mRNA and protein expressions of transforming growth factorβ1 (TGF-β1)

Smad3 and phosphorylation of Smad3 in thoracic aorta tissues were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot assay

respectively.

Results:

2

QXJYD treatment led to a significant decrease of the elevation of blood pressure in SHRs and reduced the levels of Ang Ⅱ

ET-1 and PRA in the serum (

P

<

0.05). In addition

QXJYD treatment remarkably ameliorated VSR and vascular function in SHRs. Moreover

QXJYD inhibited VSMC proliferation and fibrosis by suppressing the expression of PCNA

collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ in thoracic aortic. Furthermore

QXJYD inhibited the expression of TGF-β1

Smad3 and the phosphorylation of Smad3

respectively (

P

<

0.05).

Conclusion:

2

QXJYD reversed VSR by inhibiting VSMC proliferation and collagen deposition via regulation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway

which may

in part

illuminate its anti-hypertensive activities.