Effect of Long Snake Moxibustion on IL-1,TNF-α and IL-10 of Adjuvant Arthritis Rats

Objective To observe the effect of long snake moxibustion on adjuvant arthritis rats, and explore its mechanism in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Methods Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, drug group and moxibustion group, 12 rats in each group. The model of adjuvant arthritis rats was induced by intracutaneously injection of complete Freud's adjuvant in the right hind foot pat of rat. Three days later, the medcine group was given Wangbi Keli, and the moxibustion group was treated with long snake moxibustion. The changes of toe swelling was observed, and the content of IL-1, TNF-a and IL-10 in serum were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results Long snake moxibustion can relieve toe swelling and decrease the level of IL-1 and TNF-p in serum (P0.05), while increase the level of IL-10 in serum [P0.05), its effect was superior than the drug group. Conclusion Long snake moxibustion has therapeutic effect on adjuvant arthritis rats. One of its mechanism may be decreasing IL-1, TNF-α and increasing IL-10.