Effect of buyang huanwu decoction on platelet activating factor content in arterial blood pre- and post-arterial thrombosis in rats.

To explore the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) on platelet activating factor (PAF) content in arterial blood pre- and post-arterial thrombosis in rats, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, the medicine group treated with BHD, the control group with dexamethasone liquid, and the blank group with distilled water. Oral administration was given for 14 consecutive days, once daily. Model of arterial thrombosis was established in the animals 2 hours after final medication, the blood content of PAF, dry weight (DW) and occlusion time (OT) of thrombus, and dry weight of thrombus/body weight (TW/BW) ratio were observed. Results indicated that BHD could markedly lower the arterial blood content of PAF after thrombosis, increase the OT of thrombus, reduce the dry weight of thrombus and the TW/BW ratio (P < 0.05). It is suggested that BHD can inhibit the pathologic PAF metabolism and formation and development of arterial thrombus.