Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of Yangxue Qingnao granule on the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in CA1 area of hippocampus in rats with vascular dementia (VD). Methods 144 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (n=48), VD group (model group, n=48) and Yangxue Qingnao granule treatment group (treatment group, n=48). The VD model was prepared by modified Pulsineli's four-vessel occlusion. The sham operation group and the model group were given normal saline 10 ml/ (kg &#8901; d) by gavage, and the treatment group was given Yangxue Qingnao granule 3.2 g/(kg &#8901; d) by gavage. The expression of GFAP in CA1 area of hippocampus was detected with immunohistochemical analysis and Western blotting method 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after modeling. Results The expression of GFAP in CA1 area of hippocampus was significantly higher in the model group than in the sham operation group (P< 0.01), and was lower in the treatment group than in the model group (P<0.05) at every time point. Conclusion Yanxue Qingnao granule could inhibit the activation and proliferation of astrocytes in rats.

Key words: vascular dementia, astrocytes, glial fibrillary acidic protein, Yangxue Qingnao granule, rats