Objective To observe the effects of mild moxibustion on the expression of autophagy and apoptosis factors Beclin-1

Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in spinal cord(including nerve root tissues) of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy(CSR) rats

so as to explore the analgesic mechanism of mild moxibustion at "Dazhui"(GV14) on CSR. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into blank group

model group

mild moxibustion group and mild moxibustion+3-methyladenine(3-MA) group

with 10 rats in each group. CSR model was established by inserting the wire into the cervical nerve root. The rats in the blank group were only fed normally without any intervention.The rats in the mild moxibustion group and mild moxibustion+3-MA group were given mild moxibustion at GV14 for 10 min each time

and intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL 0.9% normal saline and 1 mL 3-MA(15 mg/kg)separately. Rats in the model group were given 0.9% normal saline every day. All the three interventions were started from the 3 rd day after modeling for 7 days. The rat's behavioral reaction of gait was scored and the pain threshold of rat was measured with a pain analyzer; the expressions of Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in the spinal cord(including nerve root) were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry

separately. The autophagosome and ultrastructure of the spinal nerve root tissue were observed by transmission electron microscope. Results After modeling

the gait score was significantly increased(P<0.01) and the pain threshold significantly decreased(P<0.01) in the model group in comparison with the blank group. There was no statistical difference in Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression between the blank and the model groups. After intervention

compared with the model group

the gait scores were significantly reduced(P<0.01)

the pain threshold and the expressions of Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 mRNA and protein were significantly increased(P<0.01

P<0.05) in the mild moxibustion and mild moxibustion+3-MA groups. The improvement of the above indicators as more significant in the mild moxibustion group than that in the mild moxibustion+3-MA group(P<0.05). After modeling

the organelles in the spinal nerve root tissue cells of the model group were damaged and there were a small amount of autophagosomes. Compared with the model group

the ultrastructure of the spinal nerve root tissue cells in the mild moxibustion group were relatively complete

and the number of autophagosomes increased. Conclusion Mild moxibustion at GV14 has a good analgesic effect on CSR rats

which may be related to its effects in up-regulation of Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 expressions and activation of autophagy and inhibition of apoptosis.