OBJECTⅣE: To investigate the protective role of Sijunzi decoction in neuromuscular junction(NMJ)and muscle cell mitochondria ultrastructure; as well as its effects on the amount of adenosine triphosphate(ATP) and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ in autoimmune myasthenia gravis rats.METHODS: An experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis(EAMG) rat model was established by inoculating rats with acetylcholine receptors extracted from Torpedo. Rats were divided into three groups: model, prednisone, and Sijunzi decoction, and were fed physiological saline, prednisone, or Sijunzi decoction, respectively. NMJ and muscle cell mitochondria ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscope. The amount of ATP was assessed by high performance liquid chromatography. The activities ofmitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, Ⅱ, Ⅲ,and Ⅳ was determined using the Clark oxygen electrode method.RESULTS: In the model group, there were sparse muscle fibers, with decreased mitochondria, and sparse, diffluent, or absent NMJ folds. After intervention with Sijunzi decoction, the above pathology changes were improved: muscle fiber structure was clear and complete; the mitochondria count was higher; and the NMJ structure was close to normal. Gastrocnemius muscle mitochondria in the model group produced significantly less ATP than those in the prednisone group(P<0.01). Conversely, the ATP of Sijunzi decoction group was significantly higher than prednisone group(P<0.01). The activities of gastrocnemius muscle mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ in both the prednisone and Sijunzi decoction groups was dramatically higher compared with the model group(P<0.05). The activities of complexes I and Ⅲ in the Sijunzi decoction group were significantly higher than those in the prednisone group(P<0.05), but there was no obvious difference in complex Ⅱ or Ⅳ activities between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Sijunzi decoction improved pathological c
HaibinWuShifeng SheYouzhang LiuWensheng XiongYalei GuoHuansong FangHong ChenJia Li
