Objective: To study the effect of Erdong Gao on tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)

interleukin-6 (IL-6) and aquaporin-5(AQP-5) in rats with acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Method: Seventy-two SD rats were randomly divided six groups:normal group (A)

model group (B)

Erdong Gao high-dose group (C)

Erdong Gao medium-dose group (D)

Erdong Gao low-dose group (E) and dexamethasone group (F)

twelve rats in each group. All the other groups except normal group received disposably iv LPS 6 mg·kg-1 through tail vein to establish ALI rat model. The rat's received first medication 0.5 hour after modeling

once a day

lasting for 4 days. The rats of groups C

D

E were respectively ig given with Erdong Gao (10

5

2.5 g·kg-1);the rats of groups A and B were given with ip 10 mL·kg-1 normal saline;the rats of group F were given with ip 0.01 g·kg-1 dexamethasone. After 4 days

the rats were sacrificed

and serum and lung tissue were taken for testing. The contents of TNF-α

IL-6 in serum were detected by double antibody clip enzym-linked immunosorban assay (ABC-ELISA) method. The expression of AQP-5 in lung tissue was determined by Western bloting method. The pathological morphology of lung tissue was observed by hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining. Result: Compared with group A

the contents of TNF-α

IL-6 in serum were obviously increased (P<0.01);expression of AQP-5 in lung tissue was significantly decreased (P<0.01) and the pathological inflammation in lung tissue became serious in rats of group B. Compared with group B

Erdong Gao could significantly reduce the content of TNF-α

IL-6 in serum (P<0.05

P<0.01)

increase the expression of AQP-5 in lung tissue(P<0.05

P<0.01)

and alleviate the pathological inflammation in lung tissue. Conclusion: Erdong Gao could reduce the content of proinflammatory factor TNF-α

IL-6 and increase the expression of AQP-5 in lung tissue

improve the pathological inflammation in lung tissue

and alleviate the state of pulmonary edema

thus effectively preventing and treating ALI.