| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立陽明大學 === 傳統醫藥學研究所 === 88 === Heat-shock proteins ( HSPs ), a group of molecular chaperons, are expressed when host is homogeneously exposed to heat stress environment. It is our aim to investigate whether the local somatothermal stimulation ( LSTS ), a component of moxibustion in Traditional Chinese Medicine, induces the expression Hsps on the somatic stimulation sites ( acupoints ) and the corresponding organs, such as liver and heart. Monoclonal antibody against HSP70 and RT-PCR were used to study the gene expression of HSP at protein and transcriptional levels in Spraque-Dawley rats ( 250-300 gm ). LSTS was brought about by application of a heating rod 0.5 cm above and to the acupoints Neiquan ( PC6 ) and Qimen ( Liv14 ). The expression of HSP70 family was assessed in the corresponding organs, heart and liver, respectively. In the mean time, dose-dependent response and time course for the expression of HSP70 was also studied on the LSTS stimulation site. The results showed that HSP70 was expressed in the underlying muscle when LSTS was applied to the destined skin area as compared to that of the contralateral muscle. When LSTS was applied to left Neiquan ( PC6 ), the expression of HSP70 in the corresponding organ ( heart ) was higher than that without LSTS. Whereas LSTS was applied to right Qimen ( Liv14 ), the expression of HSP70 in the liver was higher than that without LSTS. Surprisingly, no protective effect was noticed in the livers from ischemia reperfusion injury when rats were primed with 2 doses of LSTS. We conclude that local application of heat stress on somatic acupoints induces an up-regulation of HSP gene expression on regional muscles and the corresponding internal organs. This might provide scientific evidence for Traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of human diseases.
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