Objective: To investigate the molecular mechanism of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma on septic rats. Method: Totally 100 Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group

model group

Rhei Radix et Rhizoma high dose

middle dose and low dose groups (150

100

50 mg·kg-1). The rats in sham-operation group only exposed the cecum

without ligation and perforation; and the rats in other groups received cecum ligation method to establish rat sepsis models. The mortality of rats was recorded in various groups. The number of colon and mesenteric lymph nodes

Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in blood was detected by bacterial 16S rRNA Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The levels of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1) and Occludin were detected by qPCR and Western blot. Result: As compared with the sham-operation group

the mortality was the highest in septic model group

the detectable rate and number of S. aureus andE. coli in the samples of septic model group were significantly increased

while ZO-1 and Occludin mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). As compared with the model group

the mortality was deceased in Rhei Radix et Rhizoma high dose and middle dose groups; the detectable rate and number of S. aureus andE. coliin the samples of these two groups were decreased

bacterial translocation was reduced

ZO-1 and Occludin mRNA and protein expression levels in rat colon were significantly increased (P < 0.05

P < 0.01). Conclusion: Rhei Radix et Rhizoma can regulate the expression of tight junction protein to protect the intestinal mucosal barrier and inhibit bacterial translocation in septic rats.