抄録
The effects of moxibustion-like heat stimulation (MHS) on the skeletal muscle blood flow (MBF) were examined in anesthetized, artificially ventilated rats. MBF in gastrocnemius muscles was measured by using a laser-Doppler flowmeter. MHS was generated by using a heat stimulator for therapeutic use of moxibustion treatment. Three times per minute of MHS (each heating duration of 7.5 s, 41-51°C) was applied to the cutaneous region lying on the gastrocnemius muscle by using an applicator (5 mm in diameter) for 1 min. In addition, to estimate the effects of vasoactivors on changes in MBF induced by MHS, several vasoactivator blockers were intravenously administered. In the intact rats, decreased changes in MBF were observed during the MHS, and increased changes in MBF were observed after the MHS offset. Blood pressure did not show any change accompanying the MHS. In the experimental group under the sciatic nerve cut, MBF did not show increased changes after MHS offset, but showed the decreased changes during the MHS. The time-course changes in MBF accompanying the MHS were not affected by the spinalization at the level of L2-3. The decreased changes in MBF were abolished under the presence of α-adrenergic blocker (phentramine, i.v.), while the increased changes in MBF were abolished under the presence of CGRP blocker (hCGRP8-37). These results suggest that MHS can affect a local MBF without evoking systemic change. Moreover, these results also suggest that MHS induces vasodilation in muscle vasclature via action of CGRP. [J Physiol Sci. 2008;58 Suppl:S159]
