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


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Liu
Hui-Rong
HR
Key Laboratory of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 650 South Wanping Road, Xu Hui District, Shanghai, China.
Qi
Li
L
Wu
Lu-Yi
LY
Ma
Xiao-Peng
XP
Qin
Xiu-Di
XD
Huang
Wen-Yan
WY
Dong
Ming
M
Wu
Huan-Gan
HG
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004399:Dynorphins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D006930:Hyperalgesia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D009071:Moxibustion; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012020:Reflex, Abdominal / Q000187:drug effects; D014781:Viscera / Q000503:physiopathology*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009842:Oligopeptides; C105293:endomorphin 1; D004399:Dynorphins