Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the experimental basis of the "water metabolism theory" in traditional Chinese medicine by
observing the changes of aquaporin-1in the lung, spleen and kidney.MethodsRat models of Kidney Yang Deficiency induced
by gavage with2% adenine suspension for4weeks were treated with cistanches decoction for6weeks. Urinary17-hydroxy
cortisol, urine creatinine, urine osmolality value content, and aquaporin-1mRNA and protien expressions in the lung, spleen
and kidney tissues were detected after the treatment.ResultsTreatment with adenine induced Kidney Yang Deficiency in rats
by causing a reduction in urinary17-hydroxy cortisol, urine creatinine and urine osmolality. Aquaporin-1mRNA expression in
the spleen and kidney were down-regulated after adenine treatment. Compared with the rat models, intervention with
cistanche significantly increased aquaporin-1mRNA expression in the lung and kidney tissues. Adenine resulted in increased
aquaporin-1protein expresison in the lung, spleen and kidney of the rats, while cistanche intervention lowered its expression
in lung and kidney tissues.ConclusionThe lung, spleen, kidneys are involved in water metabolism, and aquaporin-1is one of
its molecular basis. Cistanche can increase aquaporin-1expressions, which is also regulated by other factors.