AIM: To evaluate the effects of total flavonoid of chrysanthemum on the expressions of Fas and FasL in male rabbits with dry eye, and to investigate the therapeutic effects of the total flavonoid of chrysanthemum on dry eye.

METHODS: Totally 150 male Japanses white rabbits were divided into blank group(group A), sham-operated group(group B), model group(group C), androgen control treatment group(group D), and total flavonoid of chrysanthemum treatment group(group E). The dry eye model was established with orchiectomy on group C, D and E. Rabbits in group E were treated with total flavonoid of chrysanthemum. Rabbits in group D were treated with androgen intramuscular injection. Rabbits in the group A, group B, group C was treated with normal saline. All rabbits were detected with Schirmer's Ⅰ test and tear break-up time(BUT). Fas, FasL were checked on immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: The Schirmer's I test values of group E was significantly higher than that of group C(P<0.01)and the BUT value of group E was significantly longer than that of group C(P<0.01). The quantity of positive expression of Fas in glandular tube cell and acinar epithelial celland apoptosis cells of group E after treatment at 1, 3, 5mo were significantly lower than that of group C, cell population of the positive expression of FasL was obviously higher than that of group C(P<0.01).

CONCLUSION:The main component of chrysanthemum is flavonoid, which could significantly inhibit happening of dry eye in rabbit after androgen level lowered and lacrimal gland apoptosis and keep basic tears secretory volume and tear film stability.