Abstract: AIM: To compare the effect of s.miltiorrhize bunge injection (SMBI) and s.przewalsii maxim injection (SPMI) on acute focal cerebral ischemia in rats, and to study the mechanism of the actions of two agents. METHODS: Acute focal cerebral ischemia model was made by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats, and cerebral infarction volume was determined quantitatively by computer microscopical image analysis instruments. MDA content in serum was determined by TBA colorimetric analysis.SOD content in serum was studied by radioimmunity method.The scavenging effect of hydroxyl radical (·OH) was measured by electron spin resonance technique (ESR). RESULTS: SMBI and SPMI could markedly reduce infarction volume after occlusion of middle cerebral artery and MDA content in serum in rats.SMBI could elevate SOD content in serum.Two injections could markedly inhibit the formation of hydroxyl radical (·OH), and the effect of SPMI was better than that of SMBI. CONCLUSION: The effects of both SMBI and SPMI are similar, and it is possible that SPMI as a satisfactory substitute for SMBI.

Key words: pharmacology, s.przewalsii maxim injection, s.miltiorrhize bunge injection, middle cerebral artery occlusion, acute focal cerebral ischemia, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, hydroxyl radical