OBJECTIVETo assess the effects of moxibustion at Shenque (CV8) in promoting gastrointestinal function recovery in rats following gastric perforation repair and explore the underlying mechanism.

METHODSThirty male SD rats with glacial acetic acid-induced gastric perforation underwent surgical repair of the perforation. The rats were then randomized 8 days later into model group (n=10), domperidone group (n=10), and moxibustion group(n=10) and treated with physiologic saline, domperidone suspension, and moxibustion at Shenque (CV8), respectively. Gastric antral myoelectric activities of the rats were observed and peripheral blood levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and T lymphocyte subpopulation were determined.

RESULTSGastric antral myoelectric activities in rats receiving moxibustion were stronger than those in the model group (P<0.05) but comparable with those in domperidone group (P>0.05). TNF-α and IL-6 level were decreased significantly and T lymphocyte subpopulations increased significantly in moxibustion group compared with those in the model and domperidone groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONMoxibustion at Shenque (CV8) can promote the recovery of gastrointestinal functions in rats undergoing gastric perforation repair possibly by enhancing gastrointestinal electric activity, suppressing inflammation, and improving the cellular immune function, and can therefore serve as a simple and effective adjuvant therapy during the perioperative period.