EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON THE MIGRATION OF NEUTROPHILS TO THE PERITONEAL CAVITY.

Abstract

Acupuncture is an ancient and empirical therapeutic method known by its efficacy in the treatment of pain. However, the role acupuncture plays on inflammatory process is still poorly understood. Additional research is needed. In this work, we investigated the effect of manual acupuncture on the migration of neutrophils to the peritoneal cavity induced by carrageenam stimuli in rats. Our results indicated that acupuncture presents an anti-inflammatory effect in carrageenam-induced neutophil migration. Such action does not depend on endogenous corticoids. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory action of acupuncture. KEY -WORDS: Acupuncture. Inflammation. Neutrophils. Rats. Carrageenam.