Mechanism research for the resistant effects of Saussurea involucrate cultured cell extracts on acute hypobaric hypoxia

Objective To investigate the resistance to acute hypobaric hypoxia of Saussurea involucrata cultured cell extracts and the underlying mechanism. Methods Thirty-six Wistar rats were averagely divided into blank control group, negative control group and Saussurea involucrate cultured cell extracts group according to random number table. The Saussurea involucrate cultured cell extracts were infused to the rats of Saussurea involucrate cultured cell extracts group with the dose of 500 mg/kg for 14 d while the distilled water was fed to other 2 groups in the period. Except blank control group, the rats of other groups were exposed in simulative 8 000 m altitude experiencing acute hypobaric hypoxia after 14 d infusion. Then the rats of all groups were killed and sampled blood serum and brain tissue. The changes of various biochemical factors in brain tissue and blood serum, such as glutamic acid (GLU), lactic acid (LD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathion peroxidase (GSH-PX) were tested. Results Comparing with those of blank control group, the GLU, NO, LD, LDH and MDA in blood serum and brain tissue of negative control group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and Na+ -K+ -ATPase, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, T-AOC, SOD and GSH-PX were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The GLU, NO, LD, LDH and MDA of Saussurea involucrate cultured cell extracts group were significantly lower than those of negative control group (P<0.01) but with significantly higher Na+ -K+ -ATPase, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, T-AOC, SOD and GSH-PX (P<0.01). Conclusions For simulated 8 000 m hypoxia exposure, Saussurea involucrata cultured cell extracts can effectively remove or inhibit the generation of excessive oxygen free radicals and may prevent glutamic acid and lactic acid from accumulating in rat brain tissue and blood serum. By protecting the function of Na+ -K+ -ATPase and Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase on cell membrane and preventing the consequent toxic reaction induced by energy metabolism disorder, they can alleviate cell edema, protect the integrity and function of brain tissues and cells and effectively ease acute hypobaric hypoxia. Key words: Rats, Wistar; Cells, cultured; Cell extracts; Anoxia; Saussurea involucrate