The effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on allergic asthma rats

Objective:In order to explore the neuroendocrine regulation mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of allergic asthma and to provide theoretical basis for the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on regulating mind.Methods:Forty SD rats were randomly divided into five groups:blank group,model group,sham-acupuncture group,acupuncture group and moxibustion group.Ovalbumin(OVA)was used to sensitise the rats.Except the blank group,the other groups were established by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin(OVA)and atomization excitation.The blank group was injected intraperitoneally and atomized with normal saline instead of OVA.After successful modeling,the rats in blank and the model group have no any treatment;In the sham acupuncture group,non-acupoint tissues were selected for acupuncture treatment every day;Acupuncture group and moxibustion group were treated with acupuncture or moxibustion at selected acupoints.At the end of the experiment,blood samples were collected to determine corticotropin releasing hormone(CRH).Results:After being sensitised by OVA,the symptoms scores of rats were significantly increased.After treatment,the symptoms of each treatment group were significantly reduced.Compared with model group,the CRH in acupuncture and moxibustion groups were significantly reduced(All P<0.01).Compared with the sham acupuncture group,the CRH in acupuncture group were significantly reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion:As a kind of stimulation,acupuncture and moxibustion can regulate the content of CRH in the body by nerve endocrine system.The effect of"regulating mind"of acupuncture and moxibustion plays an important role in the treatment of allergic asthma.