Objective: To observe the effects and mechanism of Xinglou Chengqi decocotion (XLCQD)and Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) on Fas/Fasl and Caspase-3 of regulating genes of neurons apoptosis caused by cerebral ischemia. Method: Rats were randomly divided into sham

model

Nimodipine

BYHWD and XLCQD groups. Focal cerebral ischemia models were established by middle cerebral artery occlusion with nylon thread. Rats were given with XLCQD(5.0 g·kg-1)

BYHWD(13.0 g·kg-1)and nimodipine(10.8 mg·kg-1)by ig before the model preparation

once a day after the operation. At 1

3

7 d after operation

neurons apoptosis

expressions of Fas

Fasl and Caspase-3 were determined using the method of immunohistochemistry. Result: A few expressions of Fas(16.60±1.36)

Fasl (19.40±1.72)and Caspase-3 (16.35±1.63)could be observed in rat ’s brain of sham group. In each model group

expressions of Fas(45.83±1.44

36.25±1.60

31.37±2.27)

Fasl(44.27±2.25

37.68±2.01

34.15±1.55)

Caspase-3(37.18±2.78

29.50±2.07

25.26±3.04)all increased(P<0.01). Fas and Fasl expression in each administrated group all decreased

and the expression of Caspase-3 in Nimodipine 1 d group

each XLCQD and BYHWD group was higher. Fas and Fasl expressions in each XLCQD group and 7 d BYHWD group and Caspase-3 in 3 d XLCQD group all decreased than that in Nimodipine groups. The expressions of Fas in 1 d and 3 d

Fasl in 1d

Caspase-3 in 3 d XLCQT groups all decreased than that in BYHWD groups. Conclusion: It was shown that Fas/Fasl up-regulation of apoptosis could be caused by cerebral ischemia

and XLCQD and BYHWD could all inhibit the level of Fas

Fasl and Caspase-3.The role of XLCQD was more earlier and significant in down-regulating the expressions of Fas

Fasl and Caspase-3

especially at 1d after cerebral ischemia.