Effect of "jia wei fo shou san" on erythrocyte membrane calcium, zinc concentration in pregnant rats with asymmetrical intrauterine growth retardation induced by passive smoking.

Using experimental model of pregnant rats with asymmetrical intrauterine fetal growth retardation induced by passive smoking, the effects of natural herb "Jia Wei Fo Shou San" on erythrocyte membrane calcium, zinc concentration were observed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results showed that the mean fetal birth weight, zinc concentration of erythrocyte membrane were found to be decreased in the model group as compared with the control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.01). On the other hand, the element of calcium onto erythrocyte membrane were higher in model group than that in control group (P < 0.05). These changes were significantly mild in the treated group and were similar to those of the control group (P > 0.05). Furthermore, our findings indicated that the zinc concentration of erythrocyte membrane seems to be positively correlated with the birth weight (P < 0.01). Calcium composition of red cell membrane showed a significant negative relation to the birth weight (P > 0.05). Our results provided an experimental evidence that normal concentrations of calcium and zinc onto erythrocyte play an important part in fetal growth. One of the mechanisms of "Jia Wei Fo Shou San" in improving fetal growth may have something to do with modulation of erythrocyte calcium, zinc element, thereby protecting bio-functions of erythrocyte and promoting blood circulation.