Effect of moxibustion at acupoints Ren-12 (Zhongwan), St-25 (Tianshu), and St-36 (Zuzanli) in the prevention of gastric lesions induced by indomethacin in Wistar rats.

This study was aimed at assessing the physical characteristics underlying the action of moxibustion at acupoints Ren-12 (Zhongwan), St-25 (Tianshu), and St-36 (Zuzanli) in preventing acute injuries of the gastric mucous membrane induced by indomethacin in Wistar rats. Induction of gastric lesions, by means of intragastric administration of indomethacin (100 mg/kg), in adult male Wistar rats was followed by treatment with moxibustion using Artemisia vulgaris dried leaves at 60 or 45 degrees C, heating with Artemisia vulgaris charcoal at 50 degrees C, heating with a regular tobacco cigar at 50 degrees C, and heating with a regular water pad at 50 degrees C, The effects of the different heating protocols over the gastric lesions were then compared. In addition, another group of animals was pretreated with capsaicin (100 mg/kg, s.c.), in order to lesion C fibers and, 15 days later, subjected to indomethacin administration and moxibustion treatment. Moxibustion was significantly more efficient at 60 degrees C than at 45 degrees C in preventing gastric lesions triggered by indomethacin. Moxibustion applied in acupoints provided a significant reduction of the lesion area, which was two times less than that of animals stimulated in a nonacupoint (sham group). Comparing the therapeutic effects provided by different forms of heating over the gastric lesions, the burning of dry leaves of Artemisia vulgaris was significantly more efficient in preventing gastric lesions than moxibustion made with Artemisia charcoal or tobacco (cigar) or by heating the animal with a water pad. Desensitization of the afferent sensory C fibers by capsaicin significantly diminished the ability of moxibustion to block the lesions in the gastric mucous membrane. Moxibustion can efficiently prevent indomethacin-induced gastric lesions in rats and this effect is dependent on the temperature, the material used for moxibustion, the use of acupuncture points, and the integrity of C fibers.