Effects of Moxibustion on Body Core Temperature Responses in Rats

抄録

We examined the neurological and pathological effects of moxibustion on body temperature in the rat by using in vivo physiological and pathological approaches. To mimic direct and indirect moxibustion, the forelimb skin of rats was stimulated by heat at 80 or 40°C. Heat at 40°C evoked rapid increases in rectal temperature and heart rate. Surgical and chemical sympathectomy antagonized these effects. In contrast, heat at 80°C evoked slow increases in rectal temperature and heart rate, as well as in blood tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. Although the concentrations of these pyrogens increased significantly, surgical and chemical sympathectomy antagonized these effects. Collectively these data demonstrate that moxibustion may increase body core temperature mainly through sympathetic nerve stimulation, and that low-temperature stimulation is more effective than high-temperature treatment. Therefore, indirect moxibustion or moxibustion at low temperature is safer than direct moxibustion.