Objective: To explore the pesticide effect and potential mechanism of Chongcao Qingfei capsule against chronic bronchitis in rats. Methods: Mixed smoke inhalation was used to establish a rat model of chronic bronchitis. Sixty rats were randomly divided into control group

model group

acetylcysteine group

and Chongcao Qingfei capsule (low

medium

and high dose) groups. Rats were orally administered with corresponding drug once a day for 14 consecutive days. The general situation and weight before modeling and after the last administration of rats were recorded. After administration

the respiratory function of rats was detected by tension transducer and biological acquisition system. Leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of rats were counted and classified by hematology analyzer. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)

interleukin-8 (IL-8)

IL-4

IL-10

substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in lung tissue of rats were analyzed by corresponding ELISA kits. Results: Compared with model group

Chongcao Qingfei capsule can significantly improve the characteristics of chronic bronchitis rats

such as burnout

anorexia

loose and dull fur

cough

wheezing

decreased respiratory function

slow weight growth and so on (P < 0. 01). In addition

Chongcao Qingfei capsule can significantly inhibit the increase of leukocytes

neutrophils and lymphocytes and the decrease of macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of chronic bronchial rats (P<0. 01). Meanwhile

Chongcao Qingfei capsule can also significantly inhibit the levels of TNF-α

IL-8

and SP and increase the IL-4

IL-10

and VIP levels in lung tissues of rats with chronic bronchitis (P<0. 01). Conclusion: Chongcao Qingfei capsule shows the anti-chronic bronchitis effect

which is related to the regulation of neuropeptide- mediated inflammation.