Effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on intercellular adhesion molecule 1 protein expression in the lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis or obstructive jaundice

The objective of the study was to observe the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) protein expression in the lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) or obstructive jaundice (OJ). A total of 288 rats were used for SAP- and OJ-associated experiments. The rats were randomly divided into sham-operated, model control, and treated group. According to the difference of time points after operation, the SAP rats of each group were subdivided into 3-, 6-, and 12-hour groups, whereas the OJ rats were divided into 7-, 14-, 21-, and 28-day groups. The contents of interleukin (IL) 6, IL-18, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase in serum were determined, and pathological changes and ICAM-1 protein expression in the lungs were observed. Compared with the respective model control groups, in treated groups of SAP and OJ rats, the numbers of dead rats declined; serum superoxide dismutase content significantly increased, and serum IL-18, IL-6, and malondialdehyde contents were significantly decreased; the positive staining intensity of ICAM-1 protein in the lungs decreased significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, or P < 0.001); and pathological changes in the lungs were relieved. Salvia miltiorrhiza plays a positive role in the protection of the lungs of SAP and OJ rats.