Objective: To explore the effect of moxa-grain moxibustion on serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats. Methods: 49 SD rats were randomly divided into control group

model group

moxibustion group

moxibustion+adrenalectomy group

moxibustion+ pseudo-operation group with 10 cases in each group except adrenalectomy group (n=9). RA model was established by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA

0.1 mL) into the rats' right paw. Moxibustion (with moxa grain) was applied to "Zusanli"(ST 36) and "Shenshu"(BL 23) once daily

with 6 days being a therapeutic course

2 courses altogether. Serum TNF-α and IFN-γ were assayed using Elisa double antibody sandwich method. Results: Serum TNF-α contents of control

model

moxibustion

adrenalectomy and pseudo-operation groups were 12.13±9.01 pg/mL

46.75±16.77 pg/mL

13.25±8.64 pg/mL

31.88±24.34 pg/mL and 6.88± 4.17 pg/mL separately; while serum IFN-γ contents of the above-mentioned groups were 470.23±102.01 ng/L

145.58±46.65 ng/L

451.14±98.64 ng/L

253.88±75.44 ng/L and 425.97± 114.17 ng/L respectively. That is

in RA model group

serum TNF-α content increased significantly whereas IFN-γ decreased remarkably in comparison with control group (P<0.01

0.01)

after moxibustion serum TNF-α and IFN-γ levels returned to normal nearly. In adrenalectomy group

both TNF-α and IFN-γ levels were between those of model and moxibustion group

meaning attenuation of the effect of moxibustion after adrenalectomy. No significant difference was found between moxibustion group and pseudo-operation group in these two indexes. Conclusion: Moxibustion may significantly lower serum TNF-α level and raise IFN-γ level in RA rats. The effect of moxibustion in regulating TNF-α and IFN-γ levels has a close relation with the intact of adrenal gland.