RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion of "Zusanli" (ST 36) on hepatic glycogen-level and ultrastructure changes in exercise-induced fatigue rats. METHODS: Thirty-three SD rats were randomly and equally divided into control, model and moxibustion groups. The fatigue model was established by forcing the rat to have a loaded exhaustion swim, once daily for 21 days. Moxibustion was applied to bilateral "Zusanli" for about 30 min, once every other day for 11 times. The hepatic glycogen content was detected by chromatometry and the hepatic ultrastructure was observed by using transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: The hepatic glycogen content in the fatigue model group decreased significantly compared with the control group(P<0. 01), and that in the moxibustion group was increased significantly compared with the model group(P<0. 05). Under transmission electron microscope , it was found that the glycogen in the hypatocytes of the model was decreased and the ultrastructure of mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum was unclear in outline. In moxibustion group, more glycogen granules were found in hepatocytes, and the structure of mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum was basically clear. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion may increase hepatic glycogen content and improve ultrastructure of hypatocytes in fatigue rats, which may be part of its mechanism underlying relieving exercise-induced fatigue.