Effect of Acupoint Local Temperature in Rheumatoid Arthritis( RA) Rats Treated by Pepper-cake Separated Moxibustion

Objective: To observe the influence of acupoint local temperature exerted by pepper-cake separated moxibustion in rheumatoid arthritis( RA) rats,and explore the significance of the pepper-cake separated moxibustion impacting thermal effect from the aspect of temperature. Methods: SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,experimental group( pepper-cake separated moxibustion) and control group( monkshood-cake separated moxibustion),acupoint local temperature changes of Shenshu( BL23),Zusanli( ST36) stimulated by pepper-cake and monkshood-cake separated moxibustion were measured respectively with temperature recorder. Then comparison of the local temperature change was made in one acupoint with two different material insulated moxibustion and in two acupoints with a same moxibustion. Furthermore,plantar circumference of rats' right foot was measured before and after three treatment courses in each group,comparing their differences. Results: The maximum and rising degree of surface temperature of Shenshu and Zusanli in experimental group are distinctly higher than those of the control group( P 0. 05). In addition,the acupoint local temperature in pre-moxibustion or post-moxibustion of Shenshu were notably higher than the ones of Zusanli,regardless of the experimental group or control group( P 0. 05); the effect of anti-inflammation in experimental group was better than the control group's( P 0. 05). Conclusion: The thermal effect of pepper-cake separated moxibustion is remarkably higher than the one of monkshood-cake separated moxibustion. And,the thermal effect of different acupoints with the same moxibustion shows some difference. Besides there is a positive correction between the thermal effect and anti-inflammatory effect.