Objective: To study the interrelation between the change of temperature and Ca2+-

Mg2+-ATPase activity in the tissues along the running course of meridians in the rabbit.Methods: Seven healthy mongrel rabbits were used in this study.Before and after moxibustion of "Zusanli"(ST 36) and "Yinlingquan"(SP 9)

the cutaneous temperature along the Stomach Meridian and Spleen Meridian was detected with an infra-red thermography.The tissues showing higher temperature(including skin

subcutaneous tissue and muscle

100 mg) and non-higher temperature(skin

subcutaneous tissue and muscle about 0.5 cm beside the higher temperature region

100 mg) after moxibustion were sampled respectively for detecting the activity of Ca2+-and Mg2+-ATPase with enzymologic method.Results: After moxibustion of "Zusanli"(ST 36) and "Yinlingquan"(SP 9)

the temperature of the skin along the Stomach Meridian and Spleen Meridian on the same side increased significantly(P<0.05

0.01);correspondingly

the activity of Mg2+-ATPase in the higher temperature regions(lateral side of the left thigh

and the medial side of the right hindlimb) increased moderately and significantly separately in comparison with the control regions(P<0.05).No marked changes were found in the activity of Ca2+-ATPase in the same tissues of the higher temperature regions(P>0.05).Conclusion: In the tissues of higher temperature region after moxibustion of SP9

Mg2+-ATPase activity increased evidently

that may contribute to the increase of temperature along the skin of the Spleen Meridian after moxibustion

while Ca2+-ATPase may play a minor role therein.