【Animal modeling】-Effect of rhubarb root extract on the morphology of tissues and organs in mice with experimental psoriasis

  Objective: To investigate the effect of rhubarb root extract on the morphology of tissues and organs in experimental psoriasis model mice.

  Methods: BALB/c mice were smeared with 5% imiquimod (5% IMQ) cream on the back hairless area for 6 days to establish a psoriasis-like animal model; Drugs, observe the positive control drugs (dexamethasone, Xiaoyin granules, abnormal mucus maturing agent), rhubarb root extract (1, 2, 4 g/kg) on the morphology of mouse back skin, thymus, bone marrow and spleen , and its effect on thymus and spleen organ indices.

  Results: Compared with the model group, epithelium thickening and parakeratosis were still seen in the low-dose group (1 g/kg) mice; most of the epithelium in the middle-dose group (2 g/kg) mice recovered to normal, and some areas were also seen Epithelial thickening; in the high-dose group (4 g/kg), the epithelium returned to normal in most areas, but there were individual differences in epidermal thickening. Compared with the positive control drug group (dexamethasone, Xiaoyin granules, abnormal mucus maturation agent), the mice in the low-dose group (1 g/kg) still had obvious epithelial thickening and parakeratosis; g/kg) mice back skin changes were basically similar to Xiaoyin Granules and abnormal mucus maturing agent control group; the high dose group (4 g/kg) mice back skin changes were basically similar to dexamethasone drug control group. Control group, model group, positive control drug group (dexamethasone, Xiaoyin granule, abnormal mucus maturing agent), rhubarb root extract group (L, M, H, 1, 2, 4 g/kg) mice There was no significant difference in the morphology of thymus, bone marrow and spleen. Compared with the model group, the index of thymus and spleen in the dexamethasone group decreased (P<0.01); the="" effect="" on="" thymus="" and="" spleen="" organ="" index="" in="" mice="" was="" not="" statistically="" different="" p="">0.05). Compared with the dexamethasone group, the thymus and spleen organ indexes of the mice in the rhubarb root extract group (1, 2, 4 g/kg) increased (P<0.01).

  Conclusion: Rhubarb root extract can inhibit the histopathological changes of the back skin of mice with imiquimod-induced experimental psoriasis in a dose-dependent manner; however, it has no obvious effect on the morphology of the thymus, bone marrow and spleen.