ObJective: To investigate possible mechanisms of the beneficial effects of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei prepared with wine on the contents and expressions of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) in atherosclerotic (AS) rabbits induced by high lipid diet. Method: Thirty-two healthy male New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups(n=8 each): Normal control group(N)

AS model group(M)

low dose(L)and high dose(H)Radix et Rhizoma Rhei prepared with wine groups. After 12-weeks treatment

the protein of PAI-1 was observed by immunohistochemistry method

and PAI-1 mRNA in aortic tissue were detected by RT-PCR method. Result: In low dose group

the expression of PAI-1 mRNA and protein in aortic tissue decreased significantly compared with AS model group(P<0.05 or P<0.01). In high dose group

the expression of PAI-1 mRNA and protein in aortic tissue were significantly increased compared with the other three groups.(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: Radix et Rhizoma Rhei prepared with wine may play a dual role in controlling of PAI-1 gene expression.