Effects of Shenlian extract on experimental atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice based on ultrasound biomicroscopy

摘要

Background This study directly and dynamically investigated the effects of SL extract (i.e., a combination of Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae and Andrographis paniculata extract) on plaque progression in vivo by high resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Methods An atherosclerosis model was established by placing a perivascular collar on the right common carotid artery in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice. Thickness, plaque area and local blood flow were observed by UBM, pathological changes were observed by histochemical staining, and lipid levels were measured by respective commercially available kits. Results Compared with the model group, the SL extract groups showed reduced wall thickness of the aortic arch (GC: P =?0.001, P =?0.002, and P Conclusions The SL extract inhibited the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in an ApoE-/- mice model by UBM analysis, and did so by effects that ameliorated local blood flow and improved blood lipid levels.