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. 2010 Aug 28;16(32):4079-83.
doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i32.4079.

Effects of moxibustion on dynorphin and endomorphin in rats with chronic visceral hyperalgesia

Hui-Rong Liu  1 , Li Qi, Lu-Yi Wu, Xiao-Peng Ma, Xiu-Di Qin, Wen-Yan Huang, Ming Dong, Huan-Gan Wu
Affiliations

Effects of moxibustion on dynorphin and endomorphin in rats with chronic visceral hyperalgesia

Hui-Rong Liu et al. World J Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

Aim: To observe the analgesic effects of moxibustion in rats with chronic visceral hyperalgesia and its influence on the concentration of dynorphin (Dyn) and endomorphin (EM) in spinal cord.

Methods: The rat model of chronic visceral hyperalgesia was established by colorectal distention (CRD). In moxibustion (MX) group, moxibustion was applied once daily for 7 d; in sham moxibustion (SM) group, moxibustion was given to the same acupoints but with the non-smoldered end of the moxa stick. Model control (MC) group and normal control group were also studied. The scoring system of abdominal withdrawal reflex was used to evaluate visceral pain for behavioral assessment. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine the concentrations of Dyn and EM in spinal cord.

Results: Moxibustion significantly decreased visceral pain to CRD in this rat model, and no significant difference was detected between the SM group and the MC group. In MX group, moxibustion also increased the concentrations of Dyn and EM in spinal cord, and no significant difference was found between the SM group and the MC group.

Conclusion: Moxibustion therapy can significantly enhance the pain threshold of rats with chronic visceral hyperalgesia, and the effect may be closely related to the increased concentration of Dyn and EM in spinal cord.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Moxibustion (A) and sham moxibustion (B).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Experimental protocol of the study. aAbdominal withdrawal reflex sores after seven treatments.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Analgesic effects of moxibustion on chronic visceral hyperalgesia. bP < 0.01 vs normal control (NC); dP < 0.01 vs model control (MC). AWR: Abdominal withdrawal reflex; MX: Moxibustion; SM: Sham moxibustion; CRD: Colorectal distention.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Influence of moxibustion on the concentration of dynorphin (A) and endomorphin (B) in spinal cord. bP < 0.01 vs normal control (NC); dP < 0.01 vs model control (MC). MX: Moxibustion; SM: Sham moxibustion.
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