Objective: To observe the effect of Zhongfeng Fangzhiling Pill (ZFP) on neurological function

brain water content

cerebral infarction and pathological morphology in rat with cerebral ischemia. Method: Sixty rats were randomly divided in sham group

model group

high dose group of ZFP (5.184 g·kg-1)

middle dose group of ZFP (2.592 g·kg-1)

low dose group of ZFP (1.296 g·kg-1) and Naoxintong (NXT) group (0.691 g·kg-1). There were 10 rats in each group.Rats were taken medicine by gastric gavage in 7 days before operation. The cerebral ischemia model was established by blocking middle cerebral artery in rat with suture method at 8th day. The course of treatment was 11 days before and after operation.Score of nervous symptoms in rats was evaluated at 6

24 and 72 h after operation by improved Zealonga 5 class. The cerebral infarction area was measured by 2

3

5 -triphenyltetrazoliumcheoride(TTC) staining at 72 h after operation. The brain water content was calculated through weighing anhydrous brain and hydrous brain at 72 h. The pathological change of brain tissue was analyzed by HE staining at 72 h. Result: Compared with model group

score of nervous symptoms was obviously improved and cerebral infarction area was reduced significantly in high dose and middle dose groups of ZFP (P<0.05

P<0.01). Brain water content was decreased obviously in all groups of ZFP (P<0.05

P<0.01). The degree of cerebral tissue injury in all groups of ZFP was less than that of in model group by observing brain tissue slice. Conclusion: ZFP could protect cerebral tissue in rat with localized cerebral ischemia.