OBJECTIVETo explore the regulation of acupuncture for transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) expression in the lung tissues of bronchial asthmatic rats.

METHODSForty SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, an acupuncture group and a shallow fast acupuncture group, 10 rats in each group. Asthma model was established in the model, acupuncture, and shallow fast acupuncture groups, and no intervention was applied in the blank and model groups. Before atomization excitation, 20 min acupuncture was applied at "Dazhui" (GV 14) "Feishu" (BL 13) "Fengmen" (BL 12) in the acupuncture group. Acupuncture only into skin without needle retained at the above acupoints was used in the shallow fast acupuncture group before atomization excitation from the day of model established. All the treatment was given 7 times, once the other day. The pathological lunge tissues of rats were observed by HE staining; the protein expression of TGF-β1 in the lung tissues was examined by immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining. The TGF-β1 expressions in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum were showed by ELISA.

RESULTSThere were changes in the lung tissues in the model group, including mucus plug in the bronchial lumen, irregular bronchial epithelium, thick airway smooth muscle, local break, narrow lumen, a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration. The phenomena in the acupuncture group were improved and those in the shallow fast acupuncture group were not apparently changed compared with those in the model group. The IOD value of TGF-β1 expression in the model group increased compared with that in the blank group (<0.05); the positive expression in the acupuncture group was lower than those in the model and shallow fast acupuncture groups (both<0.05). The contents of TGF-β1 in BALF and serum of the acupuncture group were lower than those in the model and shallow fast acupuncture groups (all<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAcupuncture may improve airway inflammatory response and remolding of asthma by inhibiting TGF-β1 expression.