Objective: To explore the effect and relevant mechanisms of Danxi Tongfeng Fang(DXTFF) on the permeability of blood brain barrier (BBB) and β-amyloid1-40 (Aβ1-40) of hippocampus in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice. Method: Mice were randomly divided into normal group

model group

donepezil (0.001 g·kg-1) group

and DXTFF high-dose (52 g·kg-1)

medial-dose (26 g·kg-1) and low-dose (13 g·kg-1) groups. Through injection with Aβ1-42 into bilateral hippocampus and intraperitoneal injection with D-galactose

the AD mice model was established. The mice were killed after continuous treatment for 35 days. Water content and EB level in brain tissue

electron microscopy of hippocampus and organ coefficients of AD mice were measured. Biochemical methods were used to determine the content of Aβ1-40 in hippocampus and serum

the content of receptor of advanced glycation and products(RAGE) and low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein 1(LRP1) in hippocampus. Real-time PCR methods were used to determine the expression of RAGE and LRP1 mRNA in hippocampus. Result: Compared with the normal group

the model group showed significant increases in water content and EB level in brain tissue

content of Aβ1-40 in hippocampus and content of RAGE in hippocampus (P<0.05)

and significant decreases in Aβ1-40 in serum

LRP1 in hippocampus

spleen index and thymus index (P<0.05)

regular neuronic morphology in hippocampus CA1

smaller neurons

round and atrophic nucleus

nuclear double karyotheca

insufficient cytoplasm and fewer organelle. Compared with the model group

in the DXTFF group

water content in brain

EB level in brain

Aβ1-40 and RAGE level in hippocampus significantly decreased (P<0.05)

and Aβ1-40 level in serum

LRP1 level in hippocampus

organ coefficients of splenic and thymus significantly increased (P<0.05)

with notable improvement in neuronal structure of hippocampus. Conclusion: DXTFF reduces the permeability of BBB and Aβ1-40 in hippocampus by down-regulating RAGE and up-regulating LRP1 in hippocampus.