Brief Article
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World J Gastroenterol. Aug 28, 2010; 16(32): 4079-4083
Published online Aug 28, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i32.4079
Effects of moxibustion on dynorphin and endomorphin in rats with chronic visceral hyperalgesia
Hui-Rong Liu, Li Qi, Lu-Yi Wu, Xiao-Peng Ma, Xiu-Di Qin, Wen-Yan Huang, Ming Dong, Huan-Gan Wu
Hui-Rong Liu, Li Qi, Lu-Yi Wu, Xiao-Peng Ma, Xiu-Di Qin, Wen-Yan Huang, Ming Dong, Huan-Gan Wu, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
Author contributions: Liu HR and Qi L contributed equally to this work; Wu HG, Liu HR and Qi L designed the research; Qi L, Wu LY and Dong M performed the experiments; Liu HR, Qi L and Wu LY analyzed the data; Liu HR, Qi L, Ma XP, Qin XD and Huang WY wrote and revised the manuscript; Wu HG supervised the whole research and edited the manuscript.
Supported by The National Basic Research Program of China, 973 Program, No. 2009CB522900; Scientific Research Grants of Shanghai Health Bureau, No. 2009209; Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project, No. S30304
Correspondence to: Huan-Gan Wu, Professor, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 650 South Wanping Road, Xu Hui District, Shanghai 200030, China. wuhuangan@126.com
Telephone: +86-21-64644238 Fax: +86-21-64390339
Received: April 28, 2010
Revised: June 19, 2010
Accepted: June 26, 2010
Published online: August 28, 2010
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.

Keywords: Moxibustion; Analgesia; Hypersensitivity; Dynorphins; Endomorphin