Impacts of acupuncture on inflammatory cells in BALF for the asthma model rats

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the impacts of acupuncture on leukocyte (LEU) and eosinophilic granulocyte (EOS) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in asthma model rats. MethodsThirty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomized into a blank group, a model group and an acupuncture group, 10 rats in each one. In the acupuncture group and the model group, the intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) was adopted to establish asthma model. In the model group, only the animal model was established but no intervention of acupuncture was given. In the acupuncture group, at the same time of the model establishment, acupuncture was provided at Dàzhuī (▪ GV 14), Fèishū (▪ BL 13) and Fēngmén (▪ BL 12). The intervention was given once every two days, totally 7 treatments were required (2 weeks). In the blank group, no any management was applied. The lung lavage method was adopted to collect BALF after 2 weeks for the rats in each group. Under optical microscope, the total LEU count was calculated. With Wright's staining, the total EOS count was calculated. ResultsIn the model group, LEU and EOS counts in BALF in the rats were increased apparently compared with the blank group (both P<0.05). LEU and EOS counts in BALF in the rats in the acupuncture group were reduced apparently compared with the model group (both P<0.05). In BALF, the proportion of EOS in LEU in the rats in the model group was higher than that in the blank group (P<0.05). In BALF, the proportion of EOS in LEU in the rats in the acupuncture group was lower than that in the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionAcupuncture intervention reduces apparently LEU and EOS counts in BALF in asthma model rats so that asthma is relieved.