Study on the effect of moxibustion at “Shénquè” ( CV 8) on the immune system of rats taking long-term exhaustive exercise

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of moxibustion at “Shénquè” (▪ CV 8) on the immune system of rats taking long-term exhaustive exercise. MethodThirty male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group and moxibustion group with 10 rats in each group. Except the rats in blank group, all the rats were established into long-term exhaustive models through swimming again and again. Mild moxibustion at CV 8 for 15 min was carried out in the rats in moxibustion group after modeling. The treatment was conducted once every other day, and treatment for 10 times was needed. The exhaustive duration for each time was recorded, the levels of serum IgA, IgG, IgM and ACP were detected 24 h after the 10th exhaustive exercise, and the histomorphological changes of spleen were observed. Immunoturbidimetry was adopted for detecting the IgA level, and ELISA method was used for detecting the levels of IgG, IgM and ACP. ResultsThe common exhaustive duration in moxibustion group was longer than that in model group, however, the time difference was statistically significant after the 5th exhaustive exercise (P<0.01). The levels of serum IgG and IgM in model group were lower than that in blank group (all P<0.01), and the serum ACP level in model group was higher than that in blank group (P<0.01), indicating that the splenic histomorphology was damaged. The levels of serum IgG and IgM in moxibustion group were higher than that in model group (all P<0.01), and the serum ACP level in moxibustion group was lower than that in model group, showing that the splenic histomorphology was repaired. ConclusionMoxibustion at CV 8 can improve the levels of immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM) of tired body for a long time, decrease the ACP level, and repair the damaged spleen tissues.