Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of modified total alkaloids patch from Strychnou nux-vomica(MTAP) on adjuvant arthritis rats. Method: Sixty rats were randomly divided into adjuvant arthritis(AA) model group

normal group

Diclofenac Diethylamine Emulgel group (24 mg·kg-1)

and MTAP groups (12

24

48 mg·kg-1). Complete Freund's adjuvant (FCA) was used to induce AA in rats. MTAP groups were treated with patch on abdominal hair removal area

the model group and the normal group were given blank matrix patch every other day for continuous 30 days. Paw swelling of AA rats was measured with volume meter. Meanwhile

splenic lymphocyte proliferation response induced by concanavalin A(Con A) or lipopolysaccharide(LPS) was examined with MTT assay. interleukin-1β(IL-1β)

tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) production of peritoneal macrophage (PMΦ) were estimated by enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). HE staining was used to examine the pathological changes in joint synovium of the rats. Result: Compared with normal group

more inflammatory cells infiltrated joint synovial tissues with congestion and edema in AA model group;T and B cell proliferation was significantly increased (P<0.05)

the contents of IL-1β and TNF-α from PMΦ were also increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with model group

AA rats with MTAP significantly attenuated primary and secondary hind paw swelling(P<0.05). Meanwhile

it remarkably regulated the splenic T and B cell proliferation response

down-regulated TNF-α production(P<0.05

P<0.01)

improved the pathological impairment of joints. Conclusion: MTAP can ameliorate the symptom of adjuvant arthritis in rats. Its active mechanism may be related to modulation of the immune function of abnormal cells and the regulation of cytokines.