Objective： To observe the effect of acupuncture-moxibustion on TNF-α, sTNFR-Ⅰ and sTNFR-Ⅱ in rats with Crohn＇s disease （CD）. Method： The models of CD rats induced by TNBS were randomized into model group, herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and electroacupuncture group as well as a normal control group. The histopathological changes of colon mucus membrane were observed with HE staining and the contents of TNF-α, sTNFR-Ⅰ and sTNFR-Ⅱ were detected with ELISA method. Results： When compared with the normal group, the TNF-α level in CD rats was substantially elevated and the sTNFR-Ⅰ and sTNFR-Ⅱ showed no marked changes. After herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion and electroacupuncture treatment, the TNF-α level in CD rats was substantially reduced and sTNFR-Ⅰ and sTNFR-Ⅱ showed no marked changes. The inflammatory lesions and abnormal structures of CD rats were significantly improved after herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion and electric stimulation. Conclusion： Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion and electroacupuncture can both remarkably reduce the TNF-α level in blood serum, and this might be one of the action mechanisms in the treatment of CD.
