Objective To observe the effect of moxibustion at "acupoint-open on-time"(Linggui Bafa) on immune function and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway in aging rats

so as to reveal its underlying mechanism of anti-agingt. Methods Forty SD rats were randomly divided into control

model

"Linggui Bafa" and "Shenque(CV8)" groups(n=10 in each group). Aging model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose(300 mg/kg) for 42 days. Moxibustion was applied at "acupoint-open on-time" or CV8 once daily for 28 days. The serum levels of TNF-α

IgG

IgA and IgM were detected by ELISA. The spleen index of rats was calculated. The expression of NF-κB p65 and NF-κB inhibitor protein(IκB) α mRNA of spleen tissues was detected by real-time PCR. Results Compared with the control group

the expression level of serum TNF-α

the mRNA expression levels of NF-κB p65 and IκBα in the model group was significantly increased(P<0.01)

while the expression levels of serum IgG

IgA and IgM

and the spleen index in the model group were significantly decreased(P<0.01). After the treatment

mode-ling-induced increase of serum TNF-α

NF-κB p65 and IκBα mRNA expression levels and decrease of serum IgG

IgA

IgM levels

the spleen index were all completely reversed in the two treatment groups relevant to the model group(P<0.01

P<0.05). No significant change was found in the above-mentioned indexes between the two treatment groups(P>0.05). Conclusion Moxibustion at both "acupoint-open on-time" and CV8 can enhance the immune function of aging rats

which may be related to its effects in inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway.