Abstract: Objective: To study the effects of extraction of Angelicae sinensis and Astragalus mongholicus (EAA) on the peritoneal structure, functions and transforming growth factor-β₁(TGF-β₁) expression in the chronic peritoneal failure rats. Methods: Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model control group, positive control group, high-dose and low-dose EAA group(n=10). The modeling rats were established by intraperitoneal injection(ip) 4.25% high-glucose peritoneal dialysate 100 ml/kg, lasted 40 d, and ip lipopolysaccharides (LPS) 5 mg/kg at 8^thd, 10^thd and 12^thd. At the same time, the rats were treated with the corresponding drugs. The body weight and general states, the levels of ultrafiltration volume, the parameters of peritoneal transport function, the changes of peritoneal morphology and the TGF-β₁ expression in parietal peritoneum of rats were observed. Results: EAA could increase the levels of ultrafiltration volume and improve the parameters of peritoneal transport function. The peritoneal thickness were decreased, and the TGF-β₁ expression in parietal peritoneum were also lowered significantly. Conclusion: EAA has some protective effects on the peritoneal structure and functions, and can inhibit TGF-β₁ expression.

Key words: Angelicae sinensis and Astragalus mongholicus, peritoneal dialysis, peritoneal structure, peritoneal function, TGF-β₁, rats