Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of chelerythrine on experimental ulcerative colitis and possible mechanism. Method: Acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis(UC) mice model was prepared.60 mice were randomized into model group

positive group

chelerythrine low

medium and high dose groups(25

50

100 mg·kg-1)

and a normal group was set up

10 mice was included in each group.The general condition and pathological changes were observed.Myeloperoxidase(MPO) activity and nitric oxide (NO) levels in colon tissue and serum were determined by biochemical assay.Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels in colon tissue and serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Result: Compared with the normal group

the injury of colonic tissue in model group was serious

the level of MPO

NO

TNF-α was significantly lower(P<0.01).Compared with the model group

chelerythrine and etiasa significantly alleviated the damage of colonic tissue.The activities of MPO and NO

TNF-α levels were also obviously decreased (P<0.05

P<0.01). Conclusion: Chelerythrine may play its therapeutic role through inhibiting the inflammation due to the generation of NO

TNF-α.