Objective: To investigate effects of Zhixiao Pingchuan prescription on eosinophil(EOS) apoptosis and expression of Fas B cell lymchoma/lewkmia-2(Bcl-2) mRNA in asthmatic rats. Method: Sixty SD rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups including normal control group

asthma model group

dexamethasone treated group

low dosage group

middle dosage group and high dosage group of Zhixiao Pingchuan prescription. The rat asthma model was established by sensitization and challenge of ovalbumin(OVA). After the rat models were formed successfully

the decoction of Zhixiao Pingchuan prescription was given. Twenty-one days later

their right lungs were removed for investigation. Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling(TUNEL)assay

the expressions of Fas mRNA and Bcl-2 mRNA in the lung tissue were detected in situ hybridization. Result: Compared with normal group

the count of EOS increased and EOS apoptosis rates decreased

the expression of Fas mRNA significantly decreased and the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA significantly increased in model group(P<0.01). Compared with model group

EOS apoptosis rates and the expression of Fas mRNA increased significantly

while the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA decreased significantly in each treatment group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).A positively significant correlation was found between the Fas mRNA expression and EOS apoptosis in each group(P<0.01)

and a very significant negative correlation was found between the Bcl-2 mRNA expression and EOS apoptosis(P<0.01). Conclusion: By means of promoting EOS apoptosis

Fas mRNA expressionand inhibiting Bcl-2 mRNA expression

Zhixiao Pingchuan prescription could reduce airway inflammation in asthmatic rats.