Objective: To investigate the protective effect of Prunellae Spica extract on the myocardium and its effect on the expression of stromal cell derived factor-1(SDF-1) in acute heart failure (AHF) rat models and discuss its possible mechanism. Method: Wistar rats were used to establish AHF models and randomly divided into four groups

such as AHF model group (AHF group) with equal volume of normal saline by intragastric administration;Prunellae Spica low-dose group

0.5 g·kg-1 Prunellae Spica extract by intragastric administration;Prunellae Spica middle-dose group

1.0 g·kg-1 Prunellae Spica extract by intragastric administration;and Prunellae Spica high-dose group

2.0 g·kg-1 Prunellae Spica extract by intragastric administration. Another sham operation group (Sham group) was set to receive equal volume of normal saline by intragastric administration. After 6 weeks

hemorheology examination and ultrasonic cardiogram were taken. The positive rate of CD34+ cells and microvessel density (MVD) were measured by flow cytometry and HE staining respectively. Western blot and qPCR were further used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of SDF-1. Result: Prunellae Spica extract can effectively improve left ventricular diastolic function

reduce ventricular wall thickness and promote formation of CD34+ cell mobilization and angiogenesis in AHF rat models

with statistically significant difference as compared with AHF group(P<0.05

P<0.01). Prunellae Spica extract can significantly increase the expressions of SDF-1 protein and SDF-1mRNA

with statistically significant difference as compared with AHF group (P<0.05

P<0.01). Conclusion: Prunellae Spica extract has obvious protective effect on heart failure

and the mechanism may be related to promoting angiogenesis

increasing SDF-1 expression levels and mobilizing the release of CD34+ cells to peripheral blood.