Objective: To observe the effect of Prunellae Spica extracts on hepatic glycogen

and the gene expressions of glycogen synthase 2 (GSY2)

glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-P) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) in Zucker diabetic fatty rats (ZDF

fa/fa) and ZDF (fa/+) with spontaneous type 2 diabetes. Method: Totally 16 male ZDF (fa/fa) rats were randomly divided into control group (Con) and treatment group (Prunellae Spica extracts

PS). And 8 male ZDF (fa/+) rats were used as normal group (Nor). Treatment group were orally administered with PS (12.25 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 8 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and body weight were measured every other week. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was tested in the 8th week. After 8 weeks

blood was taken from the abdominal aorta

and livers were collected and stored at-80℃. Fasting serum insulin (FINS) was tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

hepatic glycogen amount was tested by Periodic Acid-Schiff stain (PAS stain)

GSY2

G-6-P and GLUT2 gene expressions were tested by Real-time PCR. Result: Compared with control group

the content of hepatic glycogen

HOMA-IR index and gene expressions of GSY2 and GLU2 were significantly increased (P<0.05

P<0.01)

while the body weight

blood glucose and gene expression of G-6-P were dramatically decreased in PS group (P<0.05

P<0.01). Conclusion: Prunellae Spica extracts can increase the content of hepatic glycogen

and decrease body weight

blood glucose and HOMA-IR index in ZDF rats. Prunellae Spica extracts may play an important role in regulating the gene expressions of GSY2

GLU2 and G-6-P.