Heat- sensitive moxibustion reduces cortical expressions of cytochrome C and Bax protein in rats with cerebral ischemia- reperfusion injury

Objective To observe the effect of heat- sensitive moxibustion on cortical expressions of cytochrome C and Bax protein of rats with cerebral ischemia- reperfusion injury. Methods Forty- two male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups,normal group( n = 6),sham group( n = 6),model group( n = 10),moxibustion group( n = 10) and heat- sensitive moxibustion group( n = 10). Focal cerebral ischemia- reperfusion injury model was induced for 2h by middle cerebral artery occlusion( MCAO) followed by reperfusion. Neurological deficit scores were evaluated to observe behaviors. HE staining was used to examine brain morphological structure,and Western blot was to detect the expressions of cytochrome C and Bax protein in the cerebral cortex. Results The neurological deficit scores were 1 ~ 3 score( s) after 2h for MCAO followed by reperfusion while the score was 0 after sham operation,which suggested that rats model of focal cerebral ischemia- reperfusion injury were successful. Compared with sham group,there were a large number of nerve cells necrosis,cytoplasm osteoporosis and condensed stained nuclei in the brain of model group,and the cortical expressions of cytochrome C and Bax protein were significantly increased. Compared with model group,fewer nerve cells experienced necrosis and cortical expressions of cytochrome C and Bax protein were reduced in heat- sensitive moxibustion group. Conclusion Heat- sensitive moxibustion attenuates focal cerebral ischemia- reperfusion injury,which might be related to reducing expressions of cytochrome C and Bax protein.