Objective: To study the possible link between preventing effect of Buyang Huanwu decoction (BHD) for atherosclerosis (AS) with connexins (Cx). Method: Thorty-two male ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into four groups: model group and three dose groups of BHD (5

10

20 g ·kg-1 ·d-1). C57BL/6J mice was used to set up a normal control group. AS model was established by intragastric administration of homocysteine (0.1 g ·kg-1 ·d-1). Meanwhile

treatment groups were intragastric administrated with BHD (5

10

20 g ·kg-1 ·d-1). Eight weeks later

the area of atherosclerotic plaques

blood vessel walls and the ratio between them were observed and measured. The aortic ROS content and the expression of MAPKp38

ERK

Cx37

Cx43 were determined. Result: Model group showed evident AS lesions differently to the three treatment groups. The model group ROS content was elevated (17.01±1.31) ×105 RFU

compared with that in control group (2.73±0.18)×105 RFU

showing significant difference (P< 0.01). The MAPKp38

ERK

Cx43 protein expressions were significantly elevated

while Cx37 decreased in the models. Different doses of BHD could decrease ROS content

down-regulate MAPKp38

ERK

Cx43 protein expressions

and up-regulate Cx37 expression. Conclusion: BHD could prevent atherosclerosis induced by homocysteine via preventing AMPKs and regulating connexin expression.