Animals
Female and male SD rats (body weight 200-250 g) were supplied by the
Center of Experimental Animals of Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine
Sciences (eligibility certification no. SCXK (chuan) 2013-19). The rats
were maintained under standard conditions with a 12 h:12 h light–dark
cycle in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment. The rats
were provided food and water ad libudum. All animal experiments
were performed in accordance with the guidelines of the Ethical
Committee for the Care and Welfare of Laboratory Animals from the
Sichuan province government.