Effects of Guasha on histomorphology of scraped skins and on expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P in rats.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the effects of Guasha (scraping therapy) on the histomorphology of scraped skins and on the expressions of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP). METHODS: 50 rats, as experimental subjects, were randomly divided into 5 groups according to different observation time points. Dorsal setae were shaved for the exposure of skin on both sides of the spine. Even reinforcing and reducing method was applied to the rats in Guasha groups on the site equivalent to bladder meridian of human body on one side of the spine, and the skin was scraped from top to bottom until rash of measles occurred. The skin tissues with rash of measles were taken down after perfusion. The corresponding sites of rats in group A were also taken down as control. The tissues were made to sections and used for immunofluorescence histochemical staining and HE staining of antibodies such as SP and CGRP. RESULTS: After Guasha, there were significant differences in appearance, hair follicle and blood vessel on local skin scraped on the back of rats when compared with control; In different time points, the differences reduced. There was no significant difference in expression of CGRP and SP when compared local skin scraped on the back of rats in different time points. CONCLUSION: Guasha didn't significantly change the morphology of nerve fibers inside local skin, and the histomorphology of hair follicle, blood vessel and etc. However, after Guasha they basically returned to normal level within five days.