RESUMO
Objective To observe the effect of ultrafine herb moxibustion on nasal mucosal remodeling in rats with allergic rhinitis. Methods Forty SD rats were randomly divided into control group (Group D) and modeling group. When successfully induced by intraperitoneal injection, aerosol inhalation and nasal spray of ovalbumin, the modeling group were randomly subdivided into modeling group (Group A), fluticasone propionate group (Group B) and ultrafine herb moxibustion group (Group C). Comparisons were made between the groups in respect of HE staining, transmission electron microscopy and counts of EOS. Results (1) Compared with Group D, Group A had significant elevation in counts of EOS (P<0.01);mucosal epithelium swelling, apparent angiotelectasis and eosinophilic infiltrated by HE staining; incomplete mucosal surface with deformity cilia, swelling mitochondria and partial loss of the mitochondria ridge by TEM . ( 2 ) Counts of EOS in Groups B and C were significantly decreased than in Group A (P<0.05, and P<0.01). Those in Group C were significantly decreased than in Group B (P<0.05), and there was insignificant difference in the counts between Group C and Group D (P=0.539). The HE staining Group B showed mild telangiectasia, with EOS scattered. The HE staining in Group C showed epithelial minor swelling and no telangiectasia. TEM showed mucosal surfaces in Groups B and C were complete, the quantity of cilia and microvillus increased apparently and cell junctions were normal. Normal endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria were evident in Group C. Conclusion The ultrafine herb moxibustion can relieve the clinical symptoms, slow down and even reverse the nasal mucosal remodeling.