Objective: To study the effect of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang on immunology and blood stasis state of osteoarthritis rats with Yang deficiency and cold coagulation symptoms. Method: Totally 50 rats were randomly divided into normal group

model group

celecoxib group (20.82 mg·kg-1)

Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang 7 d group and Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang 14 d group (30 g·kg-1). Except for the normal group

all of the other groups were included in the osteoarthritis model with Yang deficiency and cold coagulation symptoms through cold fix method plus swimming

feeding every two days and cool environment. During the last two weeks before successful modeling

all groups were administered with drugs at dose of 6 mL·kg-1. Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang 14 d group was administered with Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang for 14 days

other groups were given respective drugs for 7 days; meanwhile

normal group and model group were given insaline for 7 days. After intragastric administration

the general state of all of the groups was observed. Efforts were made to calculate the perimeter and swollen of knees. HE was performed to observed pathological changes in knee joint. Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)

interleukins-1β(IL-1β)

plasma prostaglandin E2(PGE2)

thromboxane B2(TXB2)

6-keto-PGF1α were tested by ELISA

and superoxide dismutase(SOD) was tested by biochemical method. Result: Compared with normal group

model group showed significant increase in joint swelling

PGE2

TXB2

TXB2/6-PGF1α content in serum

obvious enlargement of collagen fibers

pannus and inflammatory cell infiltration

and significant decrease in TNF-α

IL-1β

SOD and 6-keto-PGF1α(P<0.05

P<0.01). Compared with model group

Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang made the fur smooth and the reduction in tail bruise. Limbers were slightly limited

claudication

swelling of knee joints

collagen fiber

pannus and inflammatory cells in Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang groups were lower than model group. Meanwhile

Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang can significantly increase the content of TNF-α

IL-1β

SOD and 6-keto-PGF1α(P<0.05)

and decrease the content of PGE2

SOD

TXB2

TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α(P<0.05). Conclusion: Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang has an obvious effect in treating osteoarthritis with Yang deficiency and cold coagulation symptoms

which is correlated with the medication time. Its mechanism is correlated with anti-inflammation and relieve of blood stasis state by regulating anti-inflammatory cytokines.