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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Sub-acute Cerebral Microhemorrhages Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Injection in Rats
Published on: October 17, 2018
Compound Danshen injection improves endotoxin-induced microcirculatory disturbance in rat mesentery
Jing-Yan Han1, Yoshinori Horie, Soichiro Miura
1Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100083, China. kan@chuigaku.co.jp
Aim:
To investigate the effect of compound Danshen injection on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat mesenteric microcirculatory dysfunctions and the underlying possible mechanism by an inverted intravital microscope and high-speed video camera system.
Methods:
LPS was continuously infused through the jugular artery of male Wistar rats at the dose of 2 mg/kg per hour. Changes in mesenteric microcirculation, such as diameters of arterioles and venules, velocity of RBCs in venules, leukocyte rolling, adhesion and emigration, free radicals released from post-capillary venules, FITC-albumin leakage and mast cell degranulation, were observed through an inverted intravital microscope assisted with CCD camera and SIT camera. Meanwhile, the expression of adhesion molecules CD11b/CD18 and the production of free radical in neutrophils, and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were quantified by flow cytometry (FACS) in vitro.
Results:
The continuous infusion with LPS resulted in a number of responses in microcirculation, including a significant increase in the positive region of venule stained with Monastral blue B, rolling and adhesion of leukocytes, production of oxygen radical in venular wall, albumin efflux and enhanced mast cell degranulation in vivo, all of which, except for the leukocyte rolling, were attenuated by the treatment with compound Danshen injection. Experiments performed in vitro further revealed that the expression of CD11b/CD18 and the production of oxygen free radical in neutrophils, and the expression of ICAM-1 in HUVECs were increased by exposure to LPS, and they were attenuated by compound Danshen injection.
Conclusion:
These results suggest that compound Danshen injection is an efficient drug with multi-targeting potential for improving the microcirculatory disturbance.
Insights
Compound Danshen injection effectively treats lipopolysaccharide-induced microcirculatory dysfunction in rats. It reduces inflammation and improves blood flow by targeting multiple pathways.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Microcirculation Research
- Inflammation Studies
Background:
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces significant mesenteric microcirculatory dysfunction.
- This dysfunction involves increased leukocyte adhesion, free radical production, and vascular leakage.
- Understanding the mechanisms behind LPS-induced injury is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic effects of compound Danshen injection on LPS-induced microcirculatory disturbances in rats.
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of action of compound Danshen injection.
- To assess the impact on leukocyte behavior, vascular permeability, and inflammatory mediators.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an inverted intravital microscope and high-speed video system to observe rat mesenteric microcirculation.
- Administered continuous LPS infusion to induce microcirculatory dysfunction.
- Quantified leukocyte rolling, adhesion, emigration, free radical production, albumin leakage, and mast cell degranulation.
- Employed flow cytometry for in vitro analysis of adhesion molecule expression (CD11b/CD18, ICAM-1) and free radical production in neutrophils and HUVECs.
Main Results:
- LPS infusion significantly increased leukocyte rolling and adhesion, free radical production, albumin efflux, and mast cell degranulation.
- Compound Danshen injection attenuated most LPS-induced microcirculatory changes, including albumin efflux and mast cell degranulation.
- In vitro studies showed compound Danshen injection reduced LPS-induced expression of CD11b/CD18, ICAM-1, and free radical production.
Conclusions:
- Compound Danshen injection demonstrates significant efficacy in ameliorating LPS-induced mesenteric microcirculatory dysfunction.
- The drug exhibits multi-targeting potential, suggesting a broad mechanism of action.
- These findings support compound Danshen injection as a promising therapeutic agent for microcirculatory disturbances.