To study effects of astragalus polysaccharides(APS)on endocrine and immune-related factors in rats with dampness stagnancy due to spleen deficiency, and to explore the mechanism of APS in invigorating spleen for eliminating dampness.Methods:Rat model with dampness stagnancy due to spleen deficiency was established by the high fat and low protein diet and exhaustive swimming method.After APS intervention, the change in body weight was observed, changes in serum levels of total protein(TP)and globulin(GLB)were determined, the content of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide(PACAP)was determined by the ELISA method, and expressions of IL-6 and IL-10 in the duodenum were measured by an immunohistochemical method.Results:Compared with model group, the rats' body weights in high dose APS group were increased(P<0.05); the serum TP levels in medium and high dose APS groups were increased(P<0.05); the GLB levels in the low, medium and high dose APS groups were increased(P<0.01), the serum PACAP levels were decreased(P<0.01), and positive area percentages of IL-6 and IL-10 in the duodenum were decreased(P<0.01, P<0.05).Conclusion:APS can regulate endocrine and immune-related factors in rats with dampness stagnancy due to spleen deficiency to exert the effects of invigorating spleen for eliminating dampness.