Objective: To investigate possible mechanisms of the intervention effects of prepared Rhei Radix et Rhizoma with wine on serum lipid

nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in rabbit models of atherosclerosis (AS). Method: Thirty-two healthy male New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (n=8): Normal control group(N)

AS model group(M)

low dose(L)and high dose(H)prepared Rhei Radix et Rhizoma with wine groups. After 12-week treatment

serum lipid was detected with automatic analysis device. The expressions of serum NO was detected with nitrate reductase method

and protein of iNOS was observed by immunohistochemistry method

iNOS mRNA in aortic tissue were detected by RT-PCR method. Result: At the end of the 12th week

compared with AS model group

levels of serum TC

LDL

and NO in L and H group were significantly decreased (P<0.01or P<0.05)

however the level of serum HDL were increased obviously (P<0.01). The serum levels of TG in high dose group were significantly lower than that in AS model group but no significant difference between the low dose and model group. Conclusion: Prepared Rhei Radix et Rhizoma with wine can reduce the expression of iNOS gene and protein in aorta vessels of experimental atherosclerotic rabbits

reduce the production of NO and levels of serum lipids. and can inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis.