Objective: To study the effect of Quanzhen Yiqi Tang on inflammatory cytokines and pulmonary ultrastructure of mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Method: COPD mouse model were built by cigarette smoking and lipopolysaccharides(LPS) instillation in airway. They were divided into five groups

namely control group

model group

Quanzhen Yiqi Tang low-dose and high-dose groups (4.3

8.6 g·kg-1)

and aminophylline group. After 16 weeks

lung function were tested

the total number of alveolar lavage inflammatory cells

expressions of lung tissue interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cutin chemotactic cytokines (KC) were counted. The immunohistochemistry method was used to detect extraeelluar regulated protein kinase(ERK)

Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) protein expressions. The lung tissue ultrastructure changes were observed by transmission electron microscope(TEM). Result: Compared with normal control group

Quanzhen Yiqi Tang low-dose group and high-dose group showed recovery in mice state. Compared with model group

Quanzhen Yiqi Tang reduced COPD airway resistance in model mice (P<0.05)

the static lung compliance (P<0.05)

functional residual capacity

the number of alveolar inflammatory cells (P<0.05)

inflammation medium IL-6 (P<0.05) and KC (P<0.05) expression

Nrf2 and ERK protein expressions

and increased HO-1 protein expression. The electron microscope results showed that Quanzhen Yiqi Tang can reduce the lung tissue ultrastructural damage. Conclusion: Quanzhen Yiqi Tang could improve the general state of mice with COPD

reduce inflammatory cytokines

protect lung function

reduce the lung tissue ultrastructural damage and the amount of Nrf2 and ERK protein expression

and up-regulate HO-1 protein expression.