Objective: To observe the effect and investigate the mechanism of Xiao Chaihu decoction with dosage of Bupleurum chinense on the content of motilin

acetylcholinesterase(AchE)

nitrogen monoxide(NO) in gastric antrum in normal rats. Method: All 40 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups

including normal group

Xiao Chaihu decoction group(B. chinense high dose)

Xiao Chaihu decoction group(B. chinense middle dose) and Xiao Chaihu decoction group(B. chinense low dose). All rats were given corresponding Xiao Chaihu decoction(high dose

13 g·kg-1·d-1;middle dose

10 g·kg-1·d-1

low dose

9.1 g·kg-1·d-1)or equal volume of normal saline by gavage for 3 days. After the last administration

MTL

AChE ang NO content in gastric antrum were measured with ELISA. Result: MTL and AChE contents in gastric antrum with Xiao Chaihu decoction groups(high dose) were increased than normal group (P<0.05)

but no difference was found between Xiao Chaihu decoction group(high dose) and normal group in NO content. The contents of MTL

AChE

NO in gastric antrum were no difference between the normal group and Xiao Chaihu decoction groups (middle and low dose). Conclusion: The Xiao Chaihu decoction group (high dose) can promot gastric motility

and the action mechanism may be correlated with increased MTL and AChE contents in gastric antrum.