Objective: To observe the expression levels of hippocampal vascular endothelial growth factor(VECF)

fms-like tyrosine kinase-1(flt-1)

brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)

and basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) in vascular dementia rats

thus studying the angiogenesis mechanism of moxibustion in vascular dementia(VD). Method: Ninty-eight rats were selected. The VD model was established by permanent bilateral occlusion of both common carotid arteries(2-VO).Then the modeled rats were rando mLy divided into 5 groups

ie

the memory deficit model group

the donepezil group

and the positive drug control groups·kg-1).The donepezil hydrochloride suspension was given to rats in donepezil group by gastrogavage(0.62 mg·kg-1).High(64 g·kg-1)

middle(32 g·kg-1)

and low(16 g·kg-1) dose of Miao medicine Michen decoction were respectively given to rats in the other three groups for 2 theapeutic courses

4 weeks as one course. The learning and memory results were observed by the neuroethological score in morriswater maze experiment before treatment and by the end of the 2 course respectively. The expression levels of hippocampal VECF

flt-1

BDNF

and bFGF of all rats were detected using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Result: After 2 courses of treatment

statistical difference existed in the latent period

the error times

and the neuroethological score in the high

middle

and low dose of Miao medicine Michen decoction groups and the western medicine group when compared the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). statistical difference existed in the latent period and the neuroethological score between the middle dose of Miao medicine Michen decoction group and the western medicine group(P<0.01).Which indicated that the Miao medicine Michen decoction and western medicine showed significant effects in improving the latent period

decreasing the error times and the neuroethological score.Better results were obtained in the middle dose of Miao medicine Michen decoction group than in the western medicine group(P<0.01). Statistical difference of the average level of Hippocampal VECF

flt-1

BDNF

and bFGF in the High

middle

and low dose of Miao medicine Michen decoction groups and the western medicine group when compared the model group. Statistical difference of Hippocampal VECF

flt-1

BDNF

and bFGF in the middle dose of Miao medicine Michen decoction group and the western medicine group(P<0.01). Conclusion: Miao medicine Michen decoction showed confirmative effects in improving the behavioral score and memory performance in VD rats. Its mechanisms might lie in that Miao medicine Michen decoction regulated and controlled the expression levels of Hippocampal VECF

flt-1

BDNF

and bFGF in VD rats

and ultimately stimulated the repairing mechanisms of cerebral nerve injury.