[The effects of astragalus and shenmai injections on macrophage function in burned mice]

To explore the dynamic postburn change in macrophage function in burned mice within 120 hrs after injury, and to investigate the effects of astragalus and shenmai injections on the macrophage function and surrvival rate of burned mice.

The mice were divided into 13 groups according to postburn time and handling methods, i,e, normal control (A), burn control (B), normal mice with astragalus (NA), normal mice with shenmai (NS), burned mice with astragal (BA), burned mice with shenmai (BS) 2 postburn hour (2 PBH), 6 PBH, 12 PBH, 24 PBH, 48 PBH, 72 PBH, 120 PBH groups. The changes in the various macrophage functions at different postburn time points and after the use of astragalus and shenmai injections were determined by means of phagocytic and RT-PCR methods.

(1) Within 120 PBHs, the phagocytic function of murine macrophages decreased evidently. The ACP activity decreased obviously. The expression of IL-15 mRNA fluctuated and that of TNF mRNA enhanced significantly. (2) Five days after the application of astragalus in dose of 2 500 mg . kg(-1) .d(-1), the phagocytic function of macrophages and ACP activity increased markedly (P < 0.01). The expressions of IL-15 and TNF mRNAs were not influenced. The survival rate of mice was not increased. (3) Five days after the application of shenmai injection in dose of 2.5 ml . kg(-1) . d(-1), the phagocytic function of macrophages and ACP activity increased significantly (P < 0.01), while the expression of IL-15 mRNA exhibited no change. But the expression of TNFalpha mRNA decreased obviously (P < 0.01). Moreover, the survival rate of burned mice was evidently raised (P < 0.05).

Peritoneal administration of shenmai injection at early postburn stage could significantly improve the macrophage function of burned mice, and it increase the survival rate of mice.