Objective To observe the changes of thoracic duct lymph volume and the contents of histamine(HA)

5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)

etc.in the lymph after acupuncture or thermal acupuncture interventions

in order to investigate the effect of lymphatic system in transmitting acupuncture and moxibustion signals.Methods A total of 45 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group

acupuncture group

and thermal acupuncture(acupuncture with the needle warmed by burning moxa) group(n=15/ group).The rat thoracic duct lymphatic fistula model was replicated.Acupuncture or thermal acupuncture was applied to "Zusanli"(ST 36)

and the changes of thoracic duct lymph volume and the concentrations of HA

5-HT in the lymph were observed.Results Compared with the control group

the thoracic duct lymph volume in acupuncture group and thermal acupuncture group were obviously increased(P<0.05)

while the concentrations of lymph HA and 5-HT in both acupuncture and thermal acupuncture groups had no significant changes(P>0.05).Conclusion Both acupuncture and thermal acupuncture interventions can increase the thoracic duct lymph volume

but have no effects on lymph HA and 5-HT contents in normal rats.