Neutrophils play a crucial role in modulating the anti-inflammatory response, which is vital for managing sepsis. Impaired chemotaxis of granulocytes can significantly impact the outcome of sepsis. Shenfu Decoction, by tonifying Qi and warming Yang, enhances the propelling function of Qi for promoting the chemotactic function of neutrophils. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Shenfu Decoction on the chemotactic function of neutrophils in septic mice and the underlying mechanisms.

Thirty 10-week-old specific-pathogen-free male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups: sham operation, model, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Shenfu Decoction treatment groups (n = 6 in each group). Sepsis was induced using cecum ligation and puncture procedures. The sham-operated group served as the control. The drug was administered 6 h after surgery; the sham-operated and model groups received saline, while the treatment groups were gavaged every 12 h with the respective concentrations of Shenfu Decoction. Four hours after the last gavage, the mice were euthanized, and samples were collected to determine neutrophil counts and related indices. Primary neutrophils were extracted from the peripheral blood of septic mice and divided into blank control, sham-operated, low-dose, and high-dose groups. These cells were cultured with serum containing the respective treatments to measure neutrophil chemotactic distance, intracellular calcium ion concentration, and the expression levels of chemokine receptors and P2X1 receptors.

Source: https://www.miragenews.com/shenfu-decoction-boosts-neutrophil-function-in-1421021/