AIM: To study the effects of Shuangdan Mingmu capsule on the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor-a(VEGF-a), VEGF-b, VEGF-c in the retina of a diabetic rat model.

METHODS: Forty male SD rats were divided into Group A(normal group), Group B(model group), Group C(Shuangdan Mingmu group)and Group D(positive control group)10 rats(20 eyes)in each group. A rat model of diabetic retinopathy was established by one-time tail vein injection with STZ(50mg/kg). After modeling for 1wk, the rats were given medicine by gavage. After gavage for 4wk rats were sacrificed, and the expressions of VEGF-a, VEGF-b, VEGF-c in the retina tissues were detected by immunohistochemical method.

RESULTS: After gavage for 4wk the average gray values of VEGF-a, VEGF-b and VEGF-c protein in the retina of model group, Shuangdan Mingmu group and positive control group were lower than those of the normal group, and the average optical density were higher than those of the normal group. There was a significant difference between the model group and the normal group(P<0.01). The average gray values of VEGF-a, VEGF-b and VEGF-c expression in Shuangdan Mingmu group and positive control group were higher than those in the model group(P<0.05)and the average optical density value were lower than those in the model group.(P<0.01).

CONCLUSION: Shuangdan Mingmu capsule could significantly reduce the expressions of VEGF-a, VEGF-b,VEGF-c in the retina and had a certain protective effect on the retina of rats in the diabetic retinopathy model.