An Extract (THC-002) of Ba-Wei-Die-Huang-Wan Inhibits Expression of Tachykinins, and P2X3 and TRPV1 Receptors, and Inhibits ATP-Induced Detrusor Overactivity in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Aims: To investigate possible mechanisms of action of THC-002 (HARNCARE(R)), a galenical produced from the traditional Chinese herbal mixture Ba-Wei-Die-Huang-Wan, which has been reported to improve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients. Methods: Forty-five female SHRs were randomly separated into three groups. Two groups were given 20 ml physiological saline solution (PSS) per kg-body weight orally daily for 1 week. An hour after the administration of PSS, one of the groups received 20 mg THC-002 per kg body weight, and the other a similar volume of THC-002-free saline. The third group received no treatments. The bladders were analyzed by real time RT-PCR (n = 6) and immunohistochemistry (n = 3) for the expression of tachykinins and P2X3 and TRPV1 receptors. Cystometric investigation (n = 6) was conducted after intravesical instillation of saline followed by 5 mg/ml ATP solution. Results: Treatment with PSS caused and upregulation of tachykinins and P2X3 and TRPV1 receptors, which was prevented in the group treated with THC-002. In the normal (non-treated) and non-THC-002-treated SHRs, instillation of the ATP solution decreased voiding interval, micturition volume, and bladder capacity compared to the instillation of saline. However, in the THC-002-treated SHRs, ATP instillation had no effect. Conclusions: In SHRs, THC-002 reduced the bladder expression of tachykinins and P2X3 and TRPV1 receptors, and inhibited ATP-induced detrusor overactivity. These effects may explain part of its beneficial effects on LUTS. Neurourol. Urodynarn. 28:529-534, 2009. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.