Objective: To observe the effects of Chuanjiao decoction (CJD) on mast cell (MC) degranulation in allergic conjunctivitis (AC) with mice. Method: Sixty-eight mice were randomlly divided into the normal group

the model group

the placebo group (12 mice)

the low

medium

and high dose CJD groups. After induced allergic conjunctivtis by intraperitoneal injection ovalbumin

mice in the normal group and model group were not gastrogavage

mice in the placebo group were given 10 mL·kg-1 normal saline by gastrogavage

once daily for 7 days. Mice in the low

medium

and high dose CJD groups were given with CJD 10 mL·kg-1 at the dose of 5.25

10.5

21.0 g·kg-1 by gastrogavage

once daily for 7 days. The conjunctiva tissue were dyed by immunohistochemisty staining

the number of total MC and degranulated MC were counted.The concentration of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2)

histamine (HIS) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in mice serum were measured by ELISA. The mRNA expression of interleukin 4 (IL-4) and TNF-α in mice conjunctiva were detected using RT-PCR. Result: Compared with the normal group

the number of total MC and degranulated MC were increased in the model and placebo group (P<0.01) ;the expression of PGD2

HIS and TNF-α in mice serum significantly increased in the model and placebo group (P<0.01). The expression of IL-4 and TNF-α in mice conjunctiva significantly increased in the model and placebo group (P<0.01). Compared with the model and placebo group

the number of total MC and degranulated MC were decreased in the CJD groups (P<0.01); the expression of PGD2

HIS and TNF-α in mice serum significantly decreased in the CJD groups (P<0.01) ;the expression of IL-4 and TNF-α in mice conjunctiva significantly decreased in the CJD groups (P<0.01). There was no statistical difference among the CJD groups. Conclusion: The action mechanism of CJD in treating AC might be achieved through stabilized and inhibited degranulation of mast cells.