Objective: To observe the effect of Guiqi Congzhi decoction on expressions of Claudin-1

transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the hippocampus area of vascular dementia(VD) rats.Method: Ten rats were selected from 120 male wistar rats as sham-operation group according to random number table. The remaining rats were selected to prepare the VD model; then

the successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group

positive control group

and high

medium and low-dose Guiqi Congzhi decoction groups (9.9

19.8

39 g · kg-1 · d-1). The positive group was given Piracetam capsules (0.3 g · kg-1 · d-1). The sham operation group and the model group were given the equal amount of water

respectively. The medicines were administered once a day. All of the groups were intervened with the corresponding medicines through gastric perfusion once a day after modeling

which lasted for 28 days. Then

rats' behaviors were detected by Morris water maze

the protein expressions of Claudin-1 and TGF-β in hippocampus of rats were detected by IHC and Western blot

the mRNA expressions of Claudin-1 and TGF-β in hippocampus were detected by Real-time PCR.Result: Compared with sham-operation group

the average escaping latency period was significantly prolonged

and the number of cross-platform was decreased distinctly in VD rats (P<0.01)

the mRNA and protein expressions of Claudin-1 were apparently increased in hippocampus of VD rats (P<0.05)

the mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-β was apparently declined in hippocampus of VD rats (P<0.05); compared with VD model group

the average escaping latency period was shorted obviously

and the number of cross-platform was increased distinctly in middle-dose Guiqi Congzhi decoction group and positive control group (P<0.01)

the mRNA and protein expressions of Claudin-1 were apparently increased in hippocampus of middle-dose Guiqi Congzhi decoction group (P<0.05)

the mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-β was apparently increased in hippocampus of middle-dose Guiqi Congzhi decoction group and positive control group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Guiqi Congzhi decoction could improve the learning and memory abilities of VD rats. The mechanism may be correlated with the regulation of the adhesive effect between brain tissues and cells and the inhibition of the expressions of inflammatory factors.