Objective: To observe the effect of ‘hoop circumference’(Hongzhongxiao tincture) on the gene expression levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the tissues around the wound of rats with skin abscess under the guidance of the theory of ‘defended field’. Method: The 32 rats were divided into blank group

model group

Mupirocin ointment group and Hongzhongxiao tincture group. Except the rats in blank group

all the rats in other three groups received subcutaneous injection of Staphylococcus aureus 1 mL (3×109-5×109 cfu·mL-1) to establish subcutaneous abscess models. The rats in model group received normal saline for treatment. Mupirocin ointment 2 g dressing was given in Mupirocin ointment group; and 2 mL Hongzhongxiao dressing was given in Hongzhongxiao tincture group

1 cm over the swelling range

1 time a day. The tissues 1

2

3 cm around the wound were taken on day 3

7

14 and 18 of treatment to observe the healing time and wound abscess limitation time; in addition

the transcription levels of IL-10 and L-1β mRNA were detected. Result: As compared with model group

Hongzhongxiao tincture group could shorten the time of the abscess and wound healing time

(P <0.05

P <0.01); however

there was no significant difference between Hongzhongxiao tincture group and Mupirocin ointment group. The IL-10 level was increased in Hongzhongxiao tincture group

and higher than that in the model group and Mupirocin ointment group during the treatment; while IL-1β level in Hongzhongxiao tincture group was lower than that in the Mupirocin ointment group and model group at the early treatment stage (P <0.05

P <0.01). Conclusion: The Hongzhongxiao tincture can increase IL-10 level

and inhibit the expression of IL-1β in the tissues in the early stage of abscess formation

thus reducing the local inflammatory reaction of the abscess effectively

promoting the limitation of abscess and wound healing

and providing conditions for the formation of the "defended field".