Source Paper
Elucidating the Mechanism of the Liqi Yangyin Formula in Treating Depression–Constipation Comorbidity: An Integrative Approach Using Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Xu L, Ong SS, Deng X, Qian Y, Tang Z et al.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel) • 2026
Intestinal Propulsion Rate Test
behavioralmiceC57BL/6
Objective: To assess intestinal transit by measuring how far charcoal moves through the intestine
Protocol Steps
1
Fasting
Fast mice for 12 hours with free access to water
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“mice were fasted for 12 h with free access to water”
2
Charcoal administration
Give charcoal suspension by oral gavage at 0.1 mL per 10 g body weight
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“gavaged with a 5% (w/v) activated carbon suspension at 0.1 mL per 10 g body weight”
3
Waiting period
Wait 30 minutes after gavage
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“Thirty minutes later, mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation”
4
Euthanasia
Euthanize mice by cervical dislocation
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“mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation”
5
Tissue excision
Remove the entire gastrointestinal tract from pylorus to anus
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“The gastrointestinal tract was excised en bloc from the pylorus to the anus”
6
Measurements
Measure total intestinal length (L1) and charcoal migration distance (L2)
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“Total intestinal length (L1) and the migration distance of the charcoal front (L2) were measured”
7
Calculation
Calculate intestinal propulsion rate as percentage using formula IPR = L2/L1 × 100
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“The intestinal propulsion rate (%) was calculated as follows: IPR = L2/L1 × 100”