Aquapuncture Using Stem Cell Therapy to Treat Mdx Mice.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) occurs due to genetic mutations that lead to absence or decrease of dystrophin protein generating progressive muscle degeneration. Cell therapy using mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) has been described as a treatment to DMD. In this work, MSC derived from deciduous teeth, called stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), were injected in acupoint as an alternative therapy to minimize muscle degeneration in twenty-two mdx mice. The treatment occurred three times with intervals of 21 days, and animals were analyzed four times: seven days prior treatment (T-7); 10 days after first treatment (T10); 10 days after second treatment (T31); and 10 days after third treatment (T52). Animals were evaluated by wire test for estimate strength and blood was collected to perform a creatinine phosphokinase analysis. After euthanasia, cranial tibial muscles were collected and submitted to histological and immunohistochemistry analyses. Treated groups presented improvement of strength and reduced creatinine phosphokinase levels. Also, a slight dystrophin increase was observed in tibial cranial muscle when aquapuncture was associated SHED. All therapies have minimized muscle degeneration, but the association of aquapuncture with SHED appears to have better effect, reducing muscle damage, suggesting a therapeutic value.

Pesquisas em medicina tradicional chinesa / Traditional Chinese Medicine Research

A Medicina Tradicional Chinesa (MTC) figura entre as mais antigas formas de medicina da humanidade. Ao longo de milênios sua prática enfrentou e superou várias barreiras e, no momento presente, alcançou um nível de aceitação satisfatório que vem se fortalecendo graças à realização de várias pesquisas científicas relevantes nesta área. Dentre os segmentos da MTC, a acupuntura é aquele que tem sido mais investigado, de modo que seus efeitos já se encontram evidenciados no tratamento de algumas condições mórbidas. Além disto, o conhecimento de parte de seus mecanismos neurobiológicos de ação tem propiciado uma visão mais racional dessa técnica milenar. No entanto, embora atualmente o desenvolvimento das pesquisas científicas em acupuntura seja uma realidade existe um importante entrave que limita e retarda a evolução desse conhecimento científico, principalmente nas pesquisas clínicas. Trata-se de uma grande diferença que se observa entre os parâmetros de seleção preconizados pela abordagem "energética" da milenar MTC e aqueles que atendem aos critérios da metodologia científica. Na presente palestra, inicialmente serão comentados alguns desses importantes fatores limitantes nas pesquisas científicas em acupuntura, como também será feita uma análise de recursos que podem contornar essas dificuldades. Em seguida um panorama geral do estágio em que se encontra o conhecimento científico da acupuntura será traçado por meio da apresentação de resultados de algumas pesquisas relevantes nesta área.

Electroacupuncture inhibits CB1 upregulation induced by ethanol withdrawal in mice.

CB1R play a role in alcohol withdrawal and in some effects of acupuncture. Interestingly, acupuncture has been used to alleviate alcohol withdrawal. Here, we investigated electroacupuncture (EA) effects during ethanol withdrawal on CB1R immunoreactivity. Male Swiss mice were daily injected with ethanol (2g/kg, i.p) (EtOH group), for 21 days. EA was performed daily during 4 days of ethanol withdrawal. The stimuli of 2 or 100 Hz were provided in two acupoints combination: Ea1 [(ST-36/Zusanli) and (PC-6/Neiguan)] or Ea2 [(DU-14/Dazhui) and (DU-20/Baihui)]. The specificity of the acupoints were assessed by the inclusion of three additional groups, Ea3 [(ST 25/Tianshu - acupoints used to other non-related disorders)], Sham1 and Sham2 (transdermic stimulation nearly to the respective acupoints). EtOH group were only handled during withdrawal and Saline group was chronically treated with Saline and handled similarly to EtOH group. One day after withdrawal the animals were perfused and their brains processed for immunohistochemistry. There was an increase of CB1R in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, amygdala and ventral tegmental area. The procedures used in the 2HzEa1 and 100HzEa2 groups were the most effective and specific to inhibit this CB1R upregulation. Therefore, EA inhibits CB1R upregulation seen in ethanol withdrawn mice. The specificity of acupoints stimulation depends of the encephalic nuclei, acupoints association and frequency of stimulation.

Electroacupuncture reverses ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization and subsequent pERK expression in mice.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) plays a role in neuronal changes induced by repeated drug exposure. Given that electroacupuncture reverses locomotor sensitization induced by ethanol, we investigated whether this effect is parallel to ERK signalling. Mice received daily ethanol (2 g/kg i.p), for 21 d. Electroacupuncture was performed daily, during four (subsequent) days of ethanol withdrawal. The stimulus of 2 Hz or 100 Hz was provided in combinations of two acupoints: Ea1 (ST-36/Zusanli and PC-6/Neiguan) or Ea2 (Du-14/Dazhui and Du-20/Baihui). The specificity of acupoint effects were assessed by the inclusion of additional groups: Ea3 (ST-25/Tianshu--acupoint used for other non-related disorders), Sham1 or Sham2 (transdermic stimulation near the respective acupoints). The control group was only handled during withdrawal and the saline group was chronically treated with saline and handled similarly to controls. At day 5 of withdrawal, each group was divided in two subgroups, according to the presence or absence of ethanol challenge. The animals were perfused and their brains processed for pERK immunohistochemistry. Only Ea1 at 100 Hz (Ea1_100) and Ea2 at 2 Hz (Ea2_2) reversed locomotor sensitization induced by ethanol. Ethanol withdrawal decreases pERK in the dorsomedial striatum. This decrease is not abolished by electroacupuncture. Conversely, ethanol challenge increases pERK in the dorsomedial striatum, infralimbic cortex and central nucleus of amygdala. The specificity of acupoint stimulation to reverse these increases was seen only for Ea2_2, in the infralimbic cortex and dorsomedial striatum. Therefore, behavioural effects of Ea2_2 (but not Ea1_100) depend, at least in part, on ERK signalling.

Short-term effect of acupuncture on intraocular pressure in healthy subjects.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term effect of acupuncture on the intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy subjects. METHODS: A randomised controlled double-blinded trial was performed. 48 healthy volunteers (94 eyes) were randomly allocated to three groups: acupuncture group-19 subjects (38 eyes) were submitted to a 20 min session of acupuncture (GB1, GB14 and BL1); sham group-14 subjects (27 eyes) were submitted to a 20 min session of acupuncture with needles inserted in false points; and control group-15 subjects (29 eyes) who underwent no intervention. All subjects had the IOP measured by a masked investigator using Goldmann applanation tonometry immediately before intervention, as well as 20 min and 24 h after. RESULTS: The mean (SD) IOP in the acupuncture group was 17.9 (3.3) mm Hg at baseline, 16.4 (3.9) mm Hg at 20 min and 16.3 (3.3) mm Hg at 24 h. The mean (SD) IOP in the sham group was 18.6 (3.3) mm Hg at baseline, 17.7 (2.6) mm Hg at 20 min and 15.9 (3.6) mm Hg at 24 h. The mean (SD) IOP in the control group was 16.9 (3.5) mm Hg at baseline, 16.5 (3.8) mm Hg at 20 min and 15.8 (3.3) mm Hg at 24 h. There was no statistically significant difference in the IOP variation (post-intervention minus baseline measurements) between groups after 20 min (p=0.13) and 24 h (p=0.21). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture in the studied points did not produce significant short-term effect on the IOP of healthy individuals in comparison with control groups.

Electroacupuncture inhibits ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization and alters homer1A mRNA expression in mice.

BACKGROUND: Here we investigated the effects of electroacupuncture over locomotor sensitization induced by ethanol in mice. METHODS: Adult male Swiss mice were daily injected with ethanol (2 g/kg, i.p.) or saline for 21 days (acquisition phase). After 4 days of withdrawal, all animals were challenged with ethanol (1.4 g/kg, i.p.). The locomotor activity during 30 minutes was accessed just after the ethanol challenge. Electroacupuncture at acquisition, expression, or maintenance phases of locomotor sensitization was provided over ST-36 (Zusanli) or PC-6 (Neiguan) as well as concomitantly over these 2 acupoints. One hour after the challenge with ethanol, the animals were decapitated, the hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal cortex were dissected, and the expression of homer1A mRNA assessed by PCR. RESULTS: Electroacupuncture provided simultaneously over ST-36 and PC-6 (but not to ST-36 or PC-6 alone) inhibited the acquisition, expression, and maintenance of ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization. In addition, electroacupuncture blocked the diminution of homer1A mRNA expression triggered by ethanol in the acquisition (striatum and prefrontal cortex), expression (hippocampus), and in the maintenance (hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) phases. CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture provided concomitantly over ST-36 and PC-6 prevents the sensitization of the mesocorticolimbic pathway induced by ethanol in mice. In addition, these effects were accompanied by changes in the expression of homer1A. We suggest that electroacupuncture effects over ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization are associated to its ability to modulate homer1A expression and glutamatergic plasticity.

Acupuncture and moxibustion as fundamental therapeutic complements for full recovery of staphylococcal skin infection after a poor 50-day treatment response to antibiotics.

OBJECTIVES: Use of acupuncture and moxibustion as therapeutic complements for staphylococcia. DESIGN: Complementary treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion for staphylococcal-infected skin wounds and a life-threatening clinical condition in a 13-month-old Brazilian child with a genetic syndrome and congenital heart disease initially treated in the traditional fashion with poor response to antibiotics, antifungal agent, and local dressing for a period of 50 days. INTERVENTIONS: Needling acupoints: Bl-58, St-40, St-36, K-7, Sp-6, Lu-9, LI-4, Ren-17, Lu-11, LI-1, St-45, Sp-1, H-9, SI-1, Bl-67, P-9, TB-1, GB-44, Li-1, and K-1. Moxibustion was applied on DU-14. RESULTS: The association of acupuncture and moxibustion resulted in rapid improvement in clinical condition as well as progressive wound cicatrization. Withdrawal of antibiotics and the antifungal agent and dismissal from the hospital occurred within 7 and 11 days, respectively. Full recovery was achieved following 40-day treatment. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and moxibustion were fundamental complementary tools for staphylococcal wound healing and restoration of health.

Effect of eletroacupuncture on DU-14 (Dazhui), DU-2 (Yaoshu), and Liv-13 (Zhangmen) on the survival of Wistar rats' dorsal skin flaps.

The survival of skin flaps has great interest in many areas of Medicine. In practice, one of the most important complications in the use of skin flaps is the tissue ischemia, which frequently results in widespread necrosis and failure of the proposed treatments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible benefits of eletroacupuncture stimulation of the points DU-14 (Dazhui), DU-2 (Yaoshu), and Liv-13 (Zhangmen) over the skin flap survival of Wistar rats after 8 days of treatment. Forty male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups with 10 animals each. They were submitted to a surgical procedure in which a dorsal skin flap measuring 10 x 4 cm was elevated and then sutured back with a plastic barrier between the flap and the donor site. During the following 8 days, one group received electro stimulation in two "nonaccupoints" whereas the other one had the accupoints DU-14 (Dazhui), DU-2 (Yaoshu), and Liv-13 (Zhangmen) stimulated. After this period, the rats were killed and flaps were appraised qualitative and quantitatively. Data were evaluated with analysis of variance and to establish significance Fisher's PLSD test was used when analysis of variance showed P < .05. It was observed that electroacupuncture group presented a skin flap survival index remarkably larger than the others. It has also shown a better evolution during the 8 days PO, confirmed by the lowest rate of necrosis and absent area. In this experimental model, eletroacupuncture was an efficient method to preserve vitality and decrease dorsal skin flap necrosis on Wistar rats.

Antidepressive-like effects of electroacupuncture in rats.

Here, we investigate the effects of electroacupunture on the depressive-like symptoms in learned helplessness and forced swim tests in rats. Electroacupuncture stimulation (EA) was provided at ST-36 (Zusanli) and SP-6 (Sanyinjiao) acupoints. A positive control group was treated with imipramine. To verify the effects of EA over serotonergic system, other additional groups received daily, for three days, p-chlorophenylalanine and after two days, were submitted to behavioral tests. EA, like imipramine, enhanced the successful active avoidance in the learned helplessness and diminished the time spent in immobility position in the forced swim test, without affecting the number of squares crossed in the open field test. The administration of p-chlorophenylalanine abolished the antidepressive-like effect of EA. EA generates a clear antidepressant effect in two different animal models of depression, and this effect is related, at least in part, to the serotonergic system.

Effect of electroacupuncture to prevent selenite-induced cataract in Wistar rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether electroacupuncture can prevent selenite-induced cataract in an experimental model. METHODS: Fifty Wistar rat pups were randomized into 5 groups of 10 animals: Group 1 (control), no procedure was performed; Group 2 (selenite), sodium selenite (30 micromoles/kg body weight) was injected subcutaneously between postpartum days 10 to 12; Group 3 (anesthesia) received the same dose of selenite and underwent ether inhalation anesthesia during 10 minutes daily for one week; Group 4 (electroacupuncture) underwent the same procedure of Group 3, but also receiving electroacupuncture (2 Hz, 50 mA) applied to the Neiguan (PC6) and Guangming (GB37) acupoints during the anesthesia period; and Group 5 (Sham) underwent the same procedures of Group 4, but needles were applied to non-acupoints. The development of cataract was assessed one week later, and its density was graded by slit lamp biomicroscopy. RESULTS: All control rats' lenses (Group 1) were clear. Groups 2, 3 and 5 rats developed more severe cataract or complete opacification. In Group 4 (electroacupuncture), 45% of eyes did not develop cataract while thirty per cent developed less severe cataract than Groups 2, 3 and 5. The between-group difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Lens opacification grade in Groups 1 and 4 was lower than in the Groups 2, 3 and 5 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture effectively decreased selenite-induced cataract formation rate in pup rats when needles were applied at specific acupoints.

Effect of electroacupuncture to prevent selenite-induced cataract in Wistar rats

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da eletro-acupuntura na prevenção da catarata induzida por selenito de sódio em modelo experimental. MÉTODO: Cinqüenta filhotes de ratos Wistar foram randomizados em 5 grupos: no Grupo 1 (Controle, n=10) nenhum procedimento foi realizado. Grupo 2 (Selenito, n=10), selenito de sódio (30 µmoles/kg) foi injetado por via subcutânea no décimo dia de vida. No Grupo 3 (Anestesia, n=10), filhotes receberam a mesma dose de selenito e sofreram anestesia inalatória com éter etílico durante 10 minutos diariamente por 1 semana. Grupo 4 (eletro-acupuntura, n=10), os animais sofreram os mesmos procedimentos do Grupo 3, porém também receberam eletro-acupuntura (2 Hz, 50 mA) aplicada nos pontos Neiguan (PC 6) e Guangming (GB37) durante o período de anestesia. Grupo 5 (Sham, n=10), os ratos foram submetidos aos mesmos procedimentos que o Grupo 4, porém as agulhas foram aplicadas em pontos falsos. O desenvolvimento da catarata foi avaliado após uma semana por lâmpada de fenda. RESULTADOS: Todos os animais controles (Grupo 1) não desenvolveram catarata. Todos os ratos dos grupos 2, 3 e 5 desenvolveram catarata grave. No Grupo 4 (eletro-acupuntura), 45% dos olhos não desenvolveram catarata e trinta por cento desenvolveram catarata menos grave que aos Grupos 2, 3 e 5. A diferença entre os grupos foi estatisticamente significante (p<0,001). A média do grau de opacificação do cristalino nos Grupos 1 e 4 foi mais baixo que nos Grupos 2, 3 e 5 (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Eletro-acupuntura diminuiu a taxa de formação de catarata induzida por selenito em filhotes de ratos quando as agulhas foram aplicadas em pontos de acupuntura específicos.

Electroacupuncture prevents cognitive deficits in pilocarpine-epileptic rats.

Here we investigated the effects of electroacupuncture over the cognitive deficits in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy in rats. Acupuncture stimulation was provided at acupoints located in either the midline of the back and of the head [HD]: Gv-20 (Baihui), Gv-14 (Dazhui), Gv-2 (Yaoshu) and M-HN-3 (Yin Tang); or acupoints located in the limbs [LB]: St-36 (Zusanli) and Sp-6 (Sanyinjiao). In the elevated T-maze test, electroacupuncture at HD and LB acupoints produced an improvement in the acquisition and retention parameters. Retention in the inhibitory avoidance test was seen only in short-term retention and only for animals stimulated at HD. At histology it was found that electroacupuncture at HD acupoints abolished tissue shrinkage in dorsal hippocampus, basolateral nucleus of the amygdala, substantia nigra and perirhinal cortex, whereas stimulation of LB acupoints prevented tissue shrinkage in all of the above structures except dorsal hippocampus. Administration of p-chlorophenylalanine, a serotonergic releaser, abolished both behavioral and part of the histological changes in these animals. We conclude that electroacupuncture at HD and LB acupoints prevents atrophy of some limbic structures and improves cognitive deficits in pilocarpine-epileptic rats and that this effect is dependent on the serotonergic system.

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.

Serotonin involvement in the electroacupuncture- and moxibustion-induced gastric emptying in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Electroacupuncture (EA) as well as moxibustion stimulation has been reported to produce an excitatory effect on the gastrointestinal motility of the rat. Serotonergic neurons of the mioenteric and submucous plexus are major participants in the gastrointestinal physiology. Here, we compared the outcomes of the stimulation of a specific set of acupoints with either acupuncture or moxibustion on the gastrointestinal motility and the role of serotonin (5-HT) in this effect. METHODS: To analyze the role of 5-HT on the gastrointestinal motility of the rat, we studied the flow of 25 glass beads administered to the stomach, after treatment of the animals with a serotonin inhibitor (para-chlorophenylalanine [pCPA]). Acupuncture stimulation was performed on acupoints St-36 (Zusanli) and Sp-6 (Sanyinjiao), with electrical stimulation, or on acupoints Ren-10 (Xiawan), Ren-12 (Zhongwan) and St-25 (Tianshu), with moxibustion. Animals subjected to sham stimulation were used as controls in addition to naive, unstimulated animals. RESULTS: Stimulation of the hind limb (St-36 and Sp-6) and abdominal (Ren-10, Ren-12, St-25) acupoints resulted in effective gastric emptying, as compared with sham-stimulated animals. Pretreatment of animals with pCPA abolished either the response provided by acupuncture stimulation in animal groups subjected to hind limb acupoints or the response provided by moxibustion stimulation in abdominal acupoints. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that moxibustion in the abdominal points and EA in the hind limb require an intact serotonergic pathway. In addition, we suggest that this involvement of serotonin is a general feature of the mediated effects of acupuncture on gastric emptying of the rat.

A comparative study of the effects of electroacupuncture and moxibustion in the gastrointestinal motility of the rat.

We compared the outcomes of the stimulation of specific sets of acupoints with either acupuncture or moxibustion over peristalsis. Twenty-five plastic beads were orally administered in the stomach of the rats and 90 min later animals were sacrificed, the stomach and small intestine were opened, and the number of beads remaining in each segment was counted. Forty rats were immobilized for 20 min and stimulated at either abdominal or hindlimbs acupoints, with either electroacupuncture or moxibustion. Under this restraint (stress) condition electroacupuncture at hindlimb points or moxibustion at abdominal points significantly enhanced gastric emptying (P < 0.02) as well as intestinal motility compared with animals subjected only to immobilization and not stimulated with electroacupuncture or moxibustion. We conclude that the effects of different acupoints and modes of stimulation (electrical vs. moxibustion) over gastrointestinal motility in rats subjected to restraint-induced stress is not uniform and discuss the different neural pathways underlying these differences.

Efeito do laser nos pontos de acupuntura E-25 (Tianshu), E-36 (Zusanli) e VC-12 (Zhongwan) na prevenção de lesões agudas da mucosa gástrica em ratos wistar / Effect of laser on acupoints S-25 (Tianshu), S-36 (Zusanli) and REN-12 (Zhongwan) in the prevention of acute gastric mucosa injuries in wistar rats

0 laser é um moderno recurso terapêutico que freqüentemente tem sido utilizado em substituiçäo às agulhas na clínica diária de acupuntura. Neste trabalho foi estudado o efeito do laser em baixa (5Hz) e alta (140Hz) freqüências aplicado sobre os pontos de acupuntura E-25 (Tianshu), E-36 (Zusanli) e VC-12 (Zhongwan) na prevençäo de lesöes agudas induzidas pela indometacina na mucosa gástrica de ratas Wistar. Material: Foram utilizadas 70 ratas Wistar com três meses (137 a 220g). Método: Este trabalho foi efetuado em duas etapas: na primeira, aplicaram-se estímulos de laser na freqüência de 5Hz em quatro grupos de dez animais cada, em jejum de 24h. A todos os animais foi administrada indometacina (20mg/kg) por sonda orogástrica. Grupo I (INDO) - apenas recebeu indometacina. Grupo II (INDO/An) - as ratas permaneceram anestesiadas com éter sulfúrico durante 15 minutos, após a administraçäo da indometacina. Grupo III (INDO/Laser/5) procedimentos idênticos aos do grupo II, tendo as ratas recebido estímulos com laser nos pontos de acupuntura VC-12 (Zhongwan) E-25 (Tianshu) e E-36 (Zusanli) durante o período em que estiveram anestesiadas. Grupo IV (INDO/Sham/5) mesmos procedimentos do grupo III, exceto que o laser foi aplicado em näo-pontos de acupuntura. Na segunda etapa foi estudado o efeito do laser em alta freqüência (140Hz) em três grupos de ratas Wistar: grupos I (INDO), II (INDO/Laser/140) e III (INDO/Sham/140), cujos procedimentos, exceto pela alta frequência do laser (140Hz), foram idênticos, respectivamente, aos dos grupos I, III, IV da primeira etapa. Os animais de todos os grupos foram sacrificados seis horas após a administraçäo da indometacina para retirada cirúrgica do estômago, a fim de efetuar contagem e avaliar aspecto das lesöes na mucosa. Resultados: O teste estatístico de Kruskal-Wallis näo mostrou diferença significante entre os grupos estudados, tanto na primeira etapa (5Hz), quanto na segunda (140Hz). Na primeira etapa os animais que foram estimulados pelo laser nos pontos de acupuntura verdadeiros apresentaram um número de petéquias e pequenas lesöes significantemente maior que lesöes superiores a 1mm, quando analisados pelo teste de Friedman. Conclusäo: a aplicaçäo de laser nos pontos de acupuntura E-25 (Tianshu), E-36 (Zuzanli) e VC-12 (Zhongwan) näo se mostrou eficaz na prevençäo de lesöes agudas da mucosa gástrica produzidas por indometacina, em ratas Wistar, tanto em baixa frequência (5Hz) quanto em alta frequência (140Hz).

Efeito da aplicaçäo de moxabustäo nos pontos de acupuntura E-25 (Tianshu), E-36 (Zusanli), VC-12 (Zhongwan) na prevençäo de lesöes agudas da mucosa gástrica produzidas por indometacina, em ratos Wistar / Effect of moxibustion in acupoints St-25 (Tianshu), St-36 (Zusanli), Ren-12 (Zhongwan) in acute injuries of gastric mucosa produced by indomethacin, in Wistar rats

Desde tempos remotos o homem utiliza-se do calor para a analgesia e cura de doenças. A aplicação de moxabustão constitui terapêutica coadjuvante no tratamento com acupuntura, cujo princípio básico consiste em aquecer os pontos de acupuntura, pela combustão da erva Artemisia vulgaris. Objetivo - Avaliar o efeito da aplicação de moxabustão nos pontos de acupuntura E-25 (Tianshu), E-36 (Zusanli), VC-12 (Zhongwan), na prevenção de lesões agudas da mucosa gástrica produzidas pela indometacina, em ratos Wistar. Material - 30 ratos Wistar, fêmeas adultas, de peso 165 a 215g. Método - Os animais foram mantidos em jejum com acesso livre à água por 24h e aleatoriamente divididos em três grupos. Todos os ratos foram submetidos à anestesia superficial com éter e receberam indometacina (20mg/kg de peso) por cateterização orogástrica e, em seguida, imobilizados. O grupo I (INDO) foi apenas imobilizado por 6 minutos. O grupo II (MOXA) foi imobilizado e submetido à aplicação de moxabustão nos pontos E-25 (Tianshu), E-36 (Zusanli), VC-12 (Zhongwan), por 1'40''em cada ponto, respectivamente. O grupo III (SHAM) foi imobilizado e submetido à aplicação de moxabustão por 1'40'' em cada uma de cinco regiões de não ponto de acupuntura. Resultados. - Os resultados submetidos ao teste de estatística de análise de variância por postos de Kruskal-Wallis, complementado pelo teste de comparações múltiplas, mostraram que o grupo Moxa apresentou 59 por cento menos lesões que o grupo INDO, comprovando estatisticamente a eficácia da terapêutica por aplicação de moxabustão na prevenção de lesões agudas da mucosa gástrica produzidas pela indometacina em ratos Wistar. O grupo SHAM apresentou 40 por cento menos lesões que o grupo INDO, demonstrando que a aplicação de moxabustão em não ponto, também, apresenta algum efeito, embora reduzido, estatisticamente significante. Conclusão - Foi comprovado estatisticamente que a terapêutica com moxabustão é eficaz na prevenção de lesões agudas da mucosa gástrica produzidas pela indometacina em ratos.