Buyang Huanwu Decoction(补阳还五汤) Reduces Infarct Volume and Enhances Estradiol and Estradiol Receptor Concentration in Ovariectomized Rats after Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

摘要

Objective:To investigate the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction(补阳还五汤,BYHWD) on estradiol(E_2) and estradiol receptor(ER) in serum and brain in ovariectomized rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO).Methods:Adult female rats were ovariectomized and focal cerebral ischemic was induced by MCAO.Rats were randomly divided into normal,ovariectomy(OVX),MCAO,OVX+MCAO,OVX+MCAO+E_2,and OVX+MCAO+BYHWD group.Rats were administered BYHWD 5 g/kg daily,estradiol valerate 500 μg/kg per day or distilled water for 7 consecutive days.Neuronal function and infarct volume were measured on day 7 after artery occlusion,and E_2 and ER concentration in serum and brain were checked by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:BYHWD significantly improved the neurological behavior,reduced the infarction volume,increased E_2concentration in serum and brain,and increased ER concentration in the brain in ovariectomized rats after MCAO.Conclusion:The neuroprotective effects of BYHWD are associated with estrogen and its receptor.