Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of qi-tonifying, spleen-strengthening, and bowel-relaxing prescription on Cajal interstitial cells (ICC), nitric oxide (NO), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rats with slow transit constipation (STC) and possible mechanism of action. Methods A total of 60 specific pathogen-free male Wistar rats aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into normal group, model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose qi-tonifying, spleen-strengthening, and bowel-relaxing prescription groups, and mosapride group, with 10 rats in each group. Compound diphenoxylate was given by gavage to establish a rat model of STC. After the model was established, the drugs were given for 4 consecutive weeks. The general status of rats was observed, and the number of fecal pellets, fecal water content, intestinal propulsion rate, expression of ICC, and content of NO and NOS were measured. Results The qi-tonifying, spleen-strengthening, and bowel-relaxing prescription improved the general status of rats, increased the number of fecal pellets, fecal water content, intestinal propulsion rate, and the expression of ICC in the colon tissue, and reduced the content of neurotransmitters NO and NOS (all P<0.05). Conclusion The pathogenesis of STC may be associated with the reduction in the expression of ICC and the increase in the levels of NO and NOS.