[Effect of gufuhuo decoction on local apoptosis of steroid-induced necrosis of femoral head].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To observe the bone specimen of SANFH (steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head) and the effect of Gufuhuo decoction on local apoptosis of SANFH. METHOD: Model rabbits of necrosis of femoral head, made by intragluteal injection with prednisone acetate, were killed after 6 weeks to study the apoptosis by means of TUNEL. RESULT: A great number of faded osteocytes and osteoblasts existed in specimen of SANFH. There was significant difference in apoptosis indexes between model and control group, Gufuhuo decoction and Xianlinggubao group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the course of SANFH, the necrosis results from the interaction of apoptosis and necrosis of steroid-induced osteocytes and osteoblasts. Gufuhuo decoction has some effects on improving apoptosis and necrosis of SANFH.