EFFECTS OF GOSHA-JINKI-GAN, A KAMPO MEDICINE, ON PERIPHERAL TISSUE BLOOD-FLOW IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

We examined the effects of Gosha-jinki-gan an peripheral tissue blood flow in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and its mechanism. The de crease in peroneal muscular blood flow ill diabetic mts was dose-depen dently improved by treatment with Gosha-jinki-gan (0.1-1 g/kg/day, p.o .) for 4 weeks. Investigation of the time course of blood flow in the hind paws revealed that single-dose of Gosha-jinki-gan (0.3, 1.5 g/kg, i.d.) increased peripheral bloodflow. Peripheral blood flow-increasin g effects of Gosha-jinki-gan (1.5 g/kg, i.d.) were reduced BI combinat ion with atropine (I mg/kg, i.v.), and disappeared by pretreatment wit h N-G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10 mg/kg, i.v.). Levels of aortic guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate were dose-dependently increased by administration of Gosha-jinki-gan (0.3, 1.5 g/kg, p.o.). These resu lts suggest that Gosha-jinki-gan has vasodilating effects via increase s in nitric oxide production. Gosha-jinki-gan may be useful for treati ng peripheral circulation disorders iii the diabetic state. (C) 1998 P rous Science. All rights reserved.