Objective: To study the effects of Wendan Tang on protein kinase C(PKC)

p38 mitogen activated protein kinase(p38 MAPK) and phosphorylated connexin43(P-Cx43)of hippocampus in rats with schizophrenia. Method: Seventy-two SD rats were randomly averaging divided six groups:normal group(A

20 mL·kg-1)

model group(B

20 mL·kg-1)

Clozapine group(C

20 mg·kg-1) and Wendan Tang high-dosage group(D

40 g·kg-1)

Wendan Tang medium-dosage group(E

20 g·kg-1)

Wendan Tang low-dosage group(F

10 g·kg-1).The A and B groups were given normal saline

the C group was given Clozapine

the D

E

F groups were respectively given Wendan Tang

every day

for 21 days.The B

C

D

E

F groups were ip given dizocipine maleate(MK-801) 0.6 mg·kg-1 to establish rat schizophrenia model

and stereotyped behavior of rats were observed. After three days

the rats were sacrificed and the hippocampus tissue was tested. The expressions of PKC

p38 MAPK

P-Cx43 in hippocampus tissue was determined by Western bloting. Result: Compared with A group

rats of B group appeared stereotyped behavior

the expressions of PKC

p38 MAPK

P-Cx43 in hippocampus tissue was increased(P <0.05).Compared with B group

stereotyped behavior was improved

Wendan Tang could significantly decrease the expression of PKC

p38 MAPK

P-Cx43 in hippocampus tissue(P <0.05).The degree of phosphorylation of Cx43 is also statistically significant(P <0.05) and the highest level of phosphorylation in the model group. Conclusion: Wendan Tang can significantly reduce concentration of PKC

p38 MAPK and P-Cx43

thereby regulating gap junction intercellular communication(GJIC) function.