Exploration of Mechanism of Spleen Qi Deficiency by Studying Expression of Aquaporin 4

Objective: To investigate the expression and distribution of aquaporin 4( AQP4) in rats' ileum of the spleen Qi deficiency and to discuss the relationship between AQP4 expression and ileum water metabolism. Methods: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction( RT-PCR) and western blot were used to detect the expression of AQP4mRNA and protein on the ileum in this study. Results:( 1) AQP4 mainly expressed in cells membrane.( 2) The expressions of AQP4 mRNA and protein in the model group were down-regulated significantly than those in the control group( P 0. 05). The expression of AQP4 mRNA in the treatment group was up-regulated significantly than that in the model group( P 0. 05). The expression of AQP4 protein in the treatment group was up-regulated than that in the model group,but it had no statistical significance( P 0. 05). Conclusion: AQP4 was down-regulated in rats' ileum. This may lead to decreased water reabsorption by the ileum. As a result,AQP4 may be one of the therapeutic mechanism of spleen Qi deficiency.