Effect of multiple moxibustion on the phagocytic activity of the reticuloendothelial system in the normal mice has been studied by using the carbon clearance methods. Simultaneously, effect of multiple one on the lysosomal enzyme activities (acid phosphatase: acid-P and β-glucuronidase: β-GL) of the periotoneal exudate cells (PEC) and the peritoneal macrophage (Mp) has been examined. And the morphology of PEC and peritoneal Mp has been also observed by the Giemsa stain and NBT reaction with lightmicroscopy.
Male ddY and ICR mice (5 weeks old) were used as experimental animals. 15mg of moxa was divided into 6 cones and they were treated by each 3 cones at right and left LV-14. The experimental schedules of multiple moxibustion were 5 times of treatment of every other day, 15 times one of every other day and 15 times one of twice a week.
In 5 times moxibustion of every other day, the mild increase of phagocytic activity in ddY mice, the decrease in number of the peritoneal Mps and the mild increase of lysosomal enzyme activity of PEC and peritoneal Mps in ICR mice were showed. In 15 times moxibustion of every other day, the increase of lysosomal enzyme activity of PEC was recognized without the one of the phagocytic activity in ICR mice. In 15 times moxibustion of twice a week, K index (phagocytic index), β-GL activity of PEC and acid-P activity of peritoneal Mp were significantly increased in ddY mice. And the mild increase of β-GL activity in PEC, the decrease in number of peritoneal Mp and the mild increase of lysosomal enzyme activity in peritoneal Mp were recognized.
There were no difference of cell kinds, cell morphology in PEC and the peritoneal Mp between the untreated and multiple moxibustion treated mice.
These results indicate that the multiple moxibustion does not always induce the enhancement of the phagocytic activity because of the general adaptation syndromes. However, the effect of the multiple one on the lysosomal enzyme activity suggests that these treatment induces the intrisic enhancement of the activity in host defense system.