Protection by moxibustion against experimental hyperbilirubinemia and cholangitis in rats

The effects of moxibustion on experimental hyperbilirubinemia and cholangitis were studied in male rats (n = 33). The experimental group were treated with moxibustion, 18, 12 and 6 hours prior to and 6, 12 and 18 hours after challenge with oral alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT, 100 mg per kg). Rats were sacrificed 48 hours after challenge. Serum and liver samples were taken for biochemical and histological analysis, respectively. The results revealed that rats treated with ANIT exhibited elevations in bilirubin, SGOT and SGPT as well as cholangitis. In rats receiving moxibustion and ANIT, biochemical and morphological parameters of liver injury were significantly reduced. Thus, this study shows that moxibustion therapy may be able to prevent ANIT-induced hyperbilirubinemia and cholangitis.