Effects of QKL on the level of TNF-α, IL-1β, ICAM-1 after intracerebral hemorrhage

Aims: Inflammatory cytokines release and action are central in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory response that occurs after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Among the inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 is the key factors which lead to secondary brain damages e.g. hydrocephalus and neuron death. QKL is an injection of natural products (consisting of radix scutellariae, fructus gardeniae, cholic acid, radix notoginseng, concha margaritifera). The aim here was to detect the function of anti-inflammation of QKL after the ICH. Method: We established a rat model with collagenase-induced intracerebral hemorrhage. The QKL was injected from the tail vein 3mL every day. The ELISA and RIA were used to detect the level of TNF-α, IL-1β, ICAM-1 in the cerebral homogenate in different periods after ICH. Result: The level of the TNF-α, IL-1β, ICAM-1 is markedly decreased with treating in the period of 48 hours after occurrence of the ICH. But in the period of 24 hours and 72 hours it shows no visible effect. Therefore, QKL has a good effect to inhibit the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, ICAM-1 in the period of 48 hours after the ICH and consequently protects the neurons from secondary damages.