Free radicals trigger the closure of open pores in lignin-derived hard carbons toward improved sodium-storage capacity

The chemical activation of various precursors is effective for creating additional closed pores in hard carbons for sodium storage.However,the formation mechanism of closed pores under the influence of pore-forming agents is not well understood.Herein,an effective chemical activation followed by a high-temperature self-healing strategy is employed to generate interconnected closed pores in lignin-derived hard carbon(HCs).By systematic experimental design combined with electron paramagnetic res-onance spectroscopy,it can be found that the content of free radicals in the carbon matrix influences the closure of open pores at high temperatures.Excessively high activation temperature(>700 C)leads to a low free radical concentration,making it difficult to achieve self-healing of open pores at high tempera-tures.By activation at 700°C,a balance between pore making and self-healing is achieved in the final hard carbon.A large number of free radicals triggers rapid growth and aggregation of carbon microcrys-tals,blocking pre-formed open micropores and creating additional interconnected closed pores in as-obtained hard carbons.As a result,the optimized carbon anode(LK-700-1300)delivers a high reversible capacity of 330.8 mA h g^(-1) at 0.03 A g^(-1),which is an increase of 86 mA h g^(-1) compared to the pristine lignin-derived carbon anode(L-700-1300),and exhibits a good rate performance(202.1 mA h g^(-1) at 1 A g^(-1)).This work provides a universal and effective guidance for tuning closed pores of hard carbons from otherprecursors.

Decontamination of Cr(Ⅵ) from water using sewage sludge-derived biochar: Role of environmentally persistent free radicals

Biochar is a well-known material for pollutant removal owing to its low cost and rich surface functionality. A kind of highly active substance, called environmentally persistent free radicals(EPFRs), can be produced in the preparation process of biochar, playing an important role in the removal of pollutants.In this study, sludge-derived biochars(SBC_(120) and SBC_(270)) were prepared by the hydrothermal carbonization under two temperatures(120℃ and 270℃) to investigate their removal abilities of Cr(Ⅵ). The maximum removal amounts of Cr(Ⅵ) by SBC_(120) and SBC_(270) were 16.58 and 22.93 mg·g^(-1), respectively. It was further revealed that the appearance of Cr(Ⅲ), as a result of EPFRs on sludge-derived biochar(SBC) transferred electrons to Cr(Ⅵ) in neutral solutions. That is to say, oxygen-centered(O-centered) EPFRs on SBC_(120) and carbon-centered(C-centered) EPFRs on SBC_(270) all could be used as electron donors to Cr(Ⅵ) to make it become Cr(Ⅲ). This study not only provides a theoretical basis for the mechanism of pollutants removal by sludge-derived biochar but also offers a new perspective on the direct effect of EPFRs on pollutants.

Extraction Storage and Qualitative Analysis of Free Radicals Scavenging Substances from Sweet Potato Leaves

[ Objective ] The research aimed to provide reference for the application of extracts from sweet potato leaves in anti-aging cosmetics. [ Method ] The extraction and storage conditions for free radicals scavenging substances from sweet potato leaves were optimized by orthogonal test and the bioactive components in extracts were investigated by correlation analysis. [ Result] Sweet potato leaves contain the bioactive substances scavenging DPPH free radical and hydroxyl free radical. Extracting solvent species is the most important factor that influencing extraction yield. The optimal extraction and storage conditions are as following： water as solvent, pH 8.0 of extracting liquid, storage at 25 ℃. There is a good positive linear relationship between the content of total phenols in sweet potato leaves and corresponding scavenging rates against both the DPPH free radical and hydroxyl free radical. For the content of total flavones in sweet potato leaves, just a correlation with scavenging rate against hydroxyl free radical shown in test. [ Conclusion] The phenols in ex- tracts could effectively scavenge both the DPPH free radical and hydroxyl free radical, whereas the flavones in extracts can only function on the hydroxyl free radical.

Abnormal Reactions of Free Radicals and Oxidative Damages in the Bodies of Patients With Chronic Glomerulonephritis

Objective To study the abnormal reactions of a series of free radicals and the oxidative damages induced by free radical abnormal reactions in the bodies of patients with chronic glomerulonephritis. Methods Eighty chronic glomerulonephritis patients (CGNP) and eighty healthy adult volunteers (HAV) were enrolled in a random control study, in which concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) in plasma, lipoperoxides (LPO) in plasma and in erythrocytes, and vitamin C (VC), vitamin E (VE) and beta-carotene (?CAR) in plasma as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in erythrocytes were determined with spectrophotometric assays. Results Compared with the average values of the above biochemical parameters in the HAV group, the average values of NO in plasma, and LPO in plasma and erythrocytes in the CGNP group were significantly increased (P = 0.0001), while those of VC, VE and -CAR in plasma as well as those of SOD, CAT and GPX in erythrocytes in the CGNP group were significantly decreased (P = 0.0001). Pearson product-moment correlation analysis showed that with increase of the concentration of blood creatinine as well as prolongation of the course of disease in the CGNP, the concentrations of NO in plasma, and LPO in plasma and erythrocytes in the CGNP increased gradually, while the concentrations of VC, VE and ?CAR in plasma as well as the activities of SOD, CAT and GPX in erythrocytes in the CGNP decreased gradually (P = 0.002454 0.000001). The relative risk ratio (RR) of the above biochemical parameters reflecting oxidative damages in the bodies of CGNP ranged from 6.061 to 72.429. The reliability coefficient (alpha) that the above biochemical parameters were used to reflect the oxidative damages of the CGNP was 0.8137, standardized item alpha = 0.9728, Hotelling抯 T-Squared = 1135680.191, F = 53274.6478, P = 0.000001. Conclusions The findings in this study show that in the bodies of CGNP a series of free radical chain reactions result in severe pathological aggravation and induce oxidative damages in their bodies. Therefore, suitable dose of antioxidants should be supplemented to them so as to alleviate oxidative damages in their bodies.

Component Analysis and Free Radicals Scavenging Activity of Physalis alkekengi L. Polysaccharide

A crude polysaccharide was extracted from Physalis alkekengi L. fruit. HPLC was used for the component analysis of the polysaccharide. The results indicate that Physalis alkekengi L. polysaccharide（PAP） was composed of rhamnose, xylose, arabinose, galactose, and glucose. Free radicals scavenging activity of PAP was studied through 3 free radicals scavenging tests. PAP exhibited high scavenging effects on OH and DPPH radicals, and both the scavenging rates were about 80%. The scavenging rate of O2^- radical was about 22%.

Changes of free radicals and digestive enzymes in saliva in cases with deficiency inspleen-yin syndrome

Objective：To explore the nature of deficiency in spleen-yin syndrome,which could provide scientific theoretical support and practical guidance for clinical Traditional Chinese Medicine（TCM）syndrome differentiation based on biology,and had a strong clinical significance.Methods：Serum Cu and Zn were detected by atomic absorption spectrophotometer,serum vitamin E by high performance liquid chromatography,serum vitamin C by 2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine Colorimetry,total superoxide dismutase（SOD）and Cu and Zn- SOD by the xanthine oxidase method,and malondialdehyde（MDA）by the 2-thiobarbituric acid method（TBA）.Total antioxidant capacity was detected by a colorimetry kit.Amylase Activity was detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer.Lysozyme was detected by lysozyme detection plate,the diameter of bacteriolysis circle was measured and the corresponding content of lysozyme was obtained from a table of standard curve values.Results： No significant difference in total SOD and Cu,Zn-SOD was found between deficiency in spleen-yin group and normal group.However,such factors in deficiency in kidney-yin group were significantly lower than the other groups（P〈0.05）.The MDA content in both deficiency in spleen-yin group and deficiency in kidney-yin group were significantly higher than that of normal group（P〈0.05）,while the total antioxidant capacity was significantly lower than normal group（P〈0.05）.The vitamin E content in deficiency in kidney-yin group was significantly lower than that in the other two groups（P〈0.05）.No significant difference in the contents of vitamin C,Cu and Zn were observed in these groups.The Zn/Cu level in deficiency in kidney-yin group and the vitamin E level in deficiency in spleen-yin group decreased,but with no significant difference.Amylase activity in unit time in cases with deficiency in spleen-yin was lower than and had significant differences with that in normal cases,and higher than that in cases with deficiency in kidney-yin.The sectional velocity of saliva and the ratio of lysozyme in normal case group were significantly higher than other two groups,while deficiency in the spleen-yin group was significantly higher than the deficiency in kidney-yin group.Conclusion：All the results indicated that the objective pathological mechanism between the deficiency in spleen-yin and deficiency in kidney-yin was different.

Effect of resveratrol on pancreatic oxygen free radicals in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM： To investigate the therapeutic effects of resveratrol （RESV） as a free radical scavenger on experimental severe acute pancreatitis （SAP）. METHODS： Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into sham operation group, SAP group, and resveratrol-treated group. Pancreatitis was induced by intraductal administration of 0.1 mL/kg 4% sodium taurocholate. RESV was given intravenously at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight. All animals were killed at 3, 6, 12 h after induction of the model. Serum amylase, pancreatic superoxide dismutase （SOD）, malondialdehyde （MDA）, and myeloperoxidase （MPO） were determined. Pathologic changes of the pancreas were observed under optical microscope. RESULTS： The serum amylase, pancreatic MPO and the score of pathologic damage increased after the induction of pancreatitis, early （3, 6 h） SAP samples were characterized by decreased pancreatic SOD and increased pancreatic MDA. Resveratrol exhibited a protective effect against lipid peroxidation in cell membrane caused by oxygen free radicals in the early stage of SAP. This attenuation of the redox state impairment reduced cellular oxidative damage, as reflected by lower serum amylase, less severe pancreatic lesions, normal pancreatic MDA levels, as well as diminished neutrophil infiltration in pancreas. CONCLUSION： RESV may exert its therapeutic effect on SAP by lowering pancreatic oxidative free radicals and reducing pancreatic tissue infiltration of neutrophils.

Effects of total soy saponins on free radicals in the quadriceps femoris,serum testosterone,LDH,and BUN of exhausted rats

Purpose:The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of total soy saponins(TS) on the free radical metabolism from the quadriceps femoris muscle,serum testosterone,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),and blood urea nitrogen(BUN) in rats exercised to exhaustion.Methods:A one-time exhausted treadmill exercise session was used.Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups:a control group—animals receiving no TS and no exercise(NTSNE),animals receiving TS but no exercise group(TSNE),animals receiving no TS but exercised to exhaustion group(NTSE),and animals receiving TS and exercised to exhaustion group(TSE).The TSNE and TSE groups were fed TS at a dosage of 20 mg/kg body weight once per day for 2 weeks.The NTSE group was given a placebo,and the NTSNE group was not given any treatment.The NTSE and TSE groups were exercised at speed of 30 m/min on treadmill until exhausted.The exercise time and exercise distance were recorded when the rats became exhausted and the rats were then decapitated and anatomized immediately.A 10% homogenate of the quadriceps femoris tissue was prepared.The levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),glutathione reductase(GR),reduced glutathione(GSH),total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC),LDH,BUN,and serum testosterone were tested.Results:TS significantly increased the exercise time to exhaustion by 20.62%(p < 0.05).The MDA levels were decreased significantly in the TSNE group than in NTSNE group(p < 0.05);the T-AOC levels increased significantly in the TSNE group than in the other 3 groups(p < 0.01,p < 0.05,p < 0.05).The LDH activity significantly increased in the NTSE group than in TSNE group(p < 0.05).The BUN levels significantly increased in the NTSE group than in the other 3 groups(p < 0.01,p < 0.01,p < 0.05),and significantly increased in the TSE group than in NTSNE and TSNE groups(both p < 0.01).The serum testosterone levels increased significantly in the TSNE group than in the other 3 groups(all p < 0.01).SOD,CAT,GSH-Px,GR,and GSH were not statistically different among the groups.Conclusion:TS can significantly improve the exercised rats' serum testosterone level and antioxidant activity in their quadriceps femoris to varying degrees,decrease MDA and serum LDH and BUN levels,increase the exercise time,and delay the occurrence of the fatigue.

Free Radicals in Organic Matter for Thermal History Reconstruction of Carbonate Succession

Geothermometer is one of the most useful methods to reconstruct the thermal history of sedimentary basins. This paper introduces the application of free radicals concentration of organic matter as a thermal indicator in the thermal history reconstruction of carbonate succession, based on anhydrous thermal simulation results of type I and H1 kerogen. A series of free radicals data are obtained under thermal simulation of different heating temperatures and times, and quantitative modds between free radical concentration （Ng） of organic matter and time-temperature index （TTI） for types I and type H1 kerogen are also obtained. This Ng.TTI relation was used to model the Ordovician thermal gradients of Well TZ12 in the Tarim Basin. The modeling result is corresponding to the results obtained by apatite fission track data and published data. This new method of thermal history reconstruction will be benefit to the hydrocarbon generation and accumulation study and resource assessment of carbonate succession.

Photo-Catalyzed Rare Earth Materials with Ability to Translate Free Radicals into Negative Ions

Materials with function of producing negative ions effection,containing valency-variable rare earth elements and semiconductor oxide,were fabricated.Free radicals produced by the materials were tested.The result shows that the materials can produce quite a few free radicals as·O^-_2 no matter whether they are under illumination of ultraviolet radiation or under visible light radiation,or under no light radiation, demonstrating semiconductor oxide can be catalysed under the visible light radiation.At the same time the result shows there is direct relation between the number of free radicals and of the negative ion produced by the materials,which meant that during photo-catalyzed and redox process of valency-variable rare earth elements free radicals translate into negative ions. A circular model is presented involving circulating change of valency-variable rare earth elements and water and oxygen absorbed on the surface of materials under the condition of photocatalysis.

Effects of leukemia inhibitory factor and basic fibroblast growth factor on free radicals and endogenous stem cell proliferation in a mouse model of cerebral infarction

The present study established a mouse model of cerebral infarction by middle cerebral artery occlusion, and monitored the effect of 25 tJg/kg leukemia inhibitory factor and （or） basic fibroblast growth factor administration 2 hours after model establishment. Results showed that following administration, the number of endogenous neural stem cells in the infarct area significantly increased, malondialdehyde content in brain tissue homogenates significantly decreased, nitric oxide content, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity significantly elevated, and mouse motor function significantly improved as confirmed by the rotarod and bar grab tests. In particular, the effect of leukemia inhibitory factor in combination with basic fibroblast growth factor was the most significant. Results indicate that leukemia inhibitory factor and basic fibroblast growth factor can improve the microenvironment after cerebral infarction by altering free radical levels, improving the quantity of endogenous neural stem cells, and promoting neurological function of mice with cerebral infarction.

Effects of Cigarette Auxiliary Material Parameters on Release Amounts of Tar, CO and Free Radicals in Cigarette Mainstream Smoke

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of cigarette auxiliary material parameters on release amounts of tar, CO and free radicals in cigarette mainstream smoke. [Method] The effects of cigarette paper air-permeability, cigarette paper gram weight, filter rod pressure drop and filter tip ventilating strength parameters on the release amounts of tar, CO and free radicals in cigarette mainstream smoke were investigated by single factor experiment and orthogonal experiment. [Result] The cigarette paper air-permeability, filter rod pressure drop and filter tip ventilating strength showed significantly negative correlation with the release amounts of tar, CO and free radicals in cigarette mainstream smoke, to be specific, the cigarette paper air-permeability showed the greatest effect on the release amounts of tar and CO, filter tip ventilating strength showed the greatest effect on the release amounts of gaseous-phase free radicals and particulate-phase free radicals, while cigarette paper gram weight showed relatively slight effect on the release amounts of tar, CO and free radicals. Within the orthogonal experimental range, the optimal program is identified as cigarette paper airpermeability of 70 CU, filter rod pressure drop of 4500 Pa/unit, and filter tip ventilating strength of 60 CU. Compared to the results without optimization, the release amounts of tar, CO and free radicals after optimization were all reduced. [Conclusion] This study laid the foundation for the research of cigarette tar reduction and harm reduction.

Chemical composition and free radicals restraining activity of extracts from three Manglietia species leaves

The extracts from leaves of Manglietia insignis （Wall） Blume, Manglietia chingii Dandy and Manglietia yuyuanensis Law were prepared by organic solvent extraction and their components were analyzed by GC/MS and quantified. Meanwhile, the free radicals restraining activities were detected. The 21 compounds in M. insignis, 36 compounds in M. chigii and 20 compounds in M. yuyuanensis were identified. There were 11 common components in the extracts from three Manglietia species, and 12 components in two Manglietia species. The results of relative contents of every component in three extracts showed that the main constituents of M. insignis were terpenoids and alkene, amounting to 38.93%, followed by alkane （28.18%）, the nitrogen containing compounds （15.73%） and aromatic compounds （7.23 %）. The main constituents of leaf extract from M. chingii were the terpenoids and alkene, carboxylic acid, alkane and aromatic compounds, amounting to 30.22%, 14.17%, 13.87% and 13.29%, respectively, The main constituents of M. yuyuanensis were alcohol compounds, the terpenoids and alkene, and aromatic compounds, amounting to 28.00%, 25.38% and 18.00% respectively. The results showed that the three extracts had strong function of restraining oxygen free radicals. The ultra oxygen anions activity was restrained at the highest level, when the three extracts were diluted by hundred-fold, whereas the restraining capacity of hydroxyl free radicals reached maximum, when the three extracts were diluted by twenty-fold. The above results provide scientific evidences for further approaching the ecological healthy function of three MangUetia species

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor increases extracellular glutamic acid uptake and suppresses free radicals in an experimental model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Excitatory amino acid toxicity and free radical damage play important roles in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor （G-CSF） protects nerve cells exposed to high-concentrations of glutamic acid, suggesting positive effects in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The present study induced in vitro motor neuron injury using glutamic acid excitotoxicity, and the biochemical effects of G-CSF on glutamic acid concentration were determined. In addition, the effects of G-CSF on superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activity in motor neurons, and malondialdehyde and nitric oxide contents were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was performed to measure neuronal survival. Results revealed that G-CSF significantly suppressed free radical activity, inhibited excitotoxicity, and reduced apoptosis and loss of motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord.

Liver Nuclear Activation of Carbon Tetrachloride or Bromotrichloromethane to Trichloromethyl and Trichloromethylperoxyl Free Radicals.Their Reactions With Lipids and Proteins

The formation of·CCl3 radicals in liver nuclei was suggested by spin trapping of them with N-t-butyl-α-phenylnitrone followed by GC/MS detection of the resulting adduct. Comparison of its formation in microsomal biotransformation of CCl4 was made. In aerobic nuclear activation mixtures containing NADPH and CCl4, significant decrease in the arachidonic acid content of nuclear lipids was observed (27. 8%, compared to control), the intensity of this decrease was lower than that occurring in the corresponding microsomal incubation mixtures (29.1%). Significant decreases in arachidonic acid content of nuclear and endoplasmic reticulum lipids were also observed in animals at 6 hours of poisoning with the haloalkane. During aerobic nuclear metabolism of CCl4 or CBrCl3, cholesterol oxidation products were detected: a ketocholesterol, an epoxide like structure and 7-ketocholesterol. Nuclear protein carbonyl formation was not promoted during nuclear CCl4 biotransformation. NADPH by itself may lead to protein carbonyl formation during prolonged periods of incubation. CBrCl3 in contrast, led to decreased protein carbonyl formation. No increase in nuclear protein carbonyl formation was observed in CCl4 intoxicated animals during periods of time between 1 to 6 hours after treatment. The results indicate that during nuclear biotransformation of CCl4 or CBrCl3 reactive free radicals, PUFA degradation, reactive aldehydes and cholesterol oxidation products are formed, nearby DNA and regulatory proteins.

Effect of Nonenzymatic Antioxidants on Sperm Motility and Survival Relative to Free Radicals and Antioxidant Enzymes of Chilled-Stored Ram Semen

The effect of inclusion of three antioxidants (Vitamin E, cysteine and glutathione) in ram semen extender on the release of antioxidant enzymes and free radicals was studied. A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted to test effects of supplementing ram semen extender with Vitamin E (1, 5 and 10 IU), cysteine (1, 5 and 10 mM) or glutathione (0.5, 1 and 2 mM) on the sperm survival and release of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Eighty ejaculates of eight fertile Najdi rams were collected, assessed for the gross examination and the good ejaculates (≥90% motility) were pooled and sperm count was assessed. Therefore ten extenders;control (C) and 9 treated (C plus antioxidant) were tested. Extended semen was stored at 5°C for 96 h, examined for motility and survival and sperm cells were separated from plasma, sonicated, homogenized and exposed to the determinations of SOD, GPX and TBARS. The highest sperm survival was found in diluents containing 5 IU Vitamin E/ml, 1 and 2 mM glutathione (55.5% survival), while the lowest survival was found in 10 mM cysteine (11.1%). TBARS concentration was highest (P < 0.05) in control than other treatments, however, Vitamin E and glutathione exhibited low values. Contrariwise, activities of SOD and GPX increased (P < 0.05) within sperm cells and seminal plasma in diluents containing 5 IU E, 1 mM and 2 mM glutathione. The enzymatic activities were generally higher in seminal plasma than in sperm cells. It was concluded that supplementing ram semen extender during chilled storage with 5 IU Vitamin E per ml or 1 - 2 mM glutathione enhanced sperm survival and reduced free radicals.

Effect of Acupuncture on Free Radicals in Rats with Early Experimental Spinal Cord Injury

Effect of acupuncture on free radicals after spinal cord injury was observed in rats with experimental spinal cord injury (SCI). Results indicated that within 24 hours after SCI malondialdehyde (MDA) increased progressively, 2 hours after SCI it reached the peak; and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity decreased significantly at the same hours, the decrease being the most marked 2-6 hours after SCI. The MDA content in the acupuncture group was significantly lower (P

Effects of ulinastatin combined with surgery on nerve injury, oxygen free radicals and inflammatory factors production of patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage

Objective: To study the effects of ulinastatin combined with surgery on nerve injury, oxygen free radicals and inflammatory factors production of patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods: The patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage received surgical treatment in our hospital during February 2015 - December 2017 were selected and divided into two groups by random number table. The observation group received ulinastatin combined surgery and the control group received conventional medicine combined with surgery. Before treatment and 1 weeks after treatment, serum levels of nerve damage markers, neurotrophic indexes, oxygen free radicals production indexes and inflammatory cytokines were measured. Results: After treatment, the contents of NSE, VILIP-1, GFAP, S100B, MDA, AOPP, 8-OHdG, NO, ET-1, TNF-α, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 of two groups were all decreased, the contents of BDNF, NGF, VEGF, IGF-I were all increased and the decreasing trend of NSE, VILIP-1, GFAP, S100B, MDA, AOPP, 8-OHdG, NO, ET-1, TNF-α, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 of observation group was more obvious than that of the control group, the increasing trend of BDNF, NGF, VEGF, IGF-I content was more obvious than that of the control group. Conclusion: The use of ulinastatin combined with surgery in the treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage can significantly reduce the damage of nerve function and reduce the production of oxygen free radicals and inflammatory factors.

Effects of Chuanxiongqin hydrochloride on increasing the fluidity of brain cell membrane and scavenging free radicals in model rats with ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND: The fluidity of cell membrane can be affected by various factors. Many experiments have confirmed that the ischemia/reperfusion of organic tissue can increase the contents of free radicals, which lead to high rigidity and low fluidity of cell membrane, and the conditions can be changed by Chuanxiongqin. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect and mechanism of Chuanxiongqin hydrochloride on the fluidity of brain cell membrane in rat models of ischemia/reperfusion. DESIGN: A completely randomized controlled animal trial. SETTINGS: Institute of Brain Sciences; Department of Physiology, Medical College, Datong University. MATERIALS: Twenty male grade Ⅰ Wistar rats of 170-220 g were randomly divided into model group (n =10) and control group (n =10). Chuanxiongqin hydrochloride (molecular mass was 172.2) was purchased from the National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products (batch number: 0817-9803); Spin labelers: 5-doxyl-stearlic acid methylester (5DS), 16-doxyl-stearlic acid methylester (16DS), xanthine, xanthine oxidase (XOD) and 5,5-dimeth-1-pyrroline- N-oxide (DMPO) from Sigma Company; Bruker ESP 300 electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer by Bruker Company (Germany). METHODS: The experiments were carried out in the State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University from June 2001 to July 2002. In the model group, rats were made into models of cerebral ischemia by 30-minute ligation and 2-hour reperfusion of common carotid arteries; The rats in the control group were not made into models. The order parameter (S) and rotational correlation time (τc) were detected with the ESR spectrometer by means of spin labeling. The greater the S and τc, the smaller the fluidity. Meanwhile, the clearance rate of free radicals was detected with ESR spin trapping. The measurement data were compared using the t test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The S, τc and clearance rates of O2 · and OH· free radicals were compared between the model group and control group. RESULTS: The S and τc in the model group [0.738 4±0.003 5; (8.472±0.027)×10-10 s/circle] were obviously different from those in the control group [0.683 9±0.008 3; (7.945±0.082)×10-10 s/circle, t =5.731, 5.918, P < 0.05], which suggested that ischemia/reperfusion injury decreased the fluidity of brain cell membrane. After adding Chuanxiongqin hydrochloride, there were no obvious differences between the model group [0.688 5±0.030 5; (7.886±0.341)×10-10 s/circle] and control group (P > 0.05), indicating that Chuanxiongqin hydrochloride could recover the fluidity of brain cell membrane after ischemia/reperfusion injury close to the level in the normal control group. Chuanxiongqin hydrochloride could directly scavenge the O2 · and OH· free radicals, and the maximal clearance rates were 83.92% and 44.99% respectively. CONCLUSION: Chuanxiongqin hydrochloride increases the fluidity of membrane of ischemia-injured brain cell by scavenging both O2 ·and OH· free radicals.