Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of moxibustion at different acupoints on diarrhea index in a mouse model of diarrhea and the mechanism of action of moxibustion in the treatment of diarrhea. Methods A total of 90 Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, Tianshu group, Dachangshu group, and Tianshu+Dachangshu group. Senna was given by gavage to establish a mouse model of diarrhea. The mice in the Tianshu group were given moxibustion at Tianshu points at both sides, those in the Dachangshu group were given moxibustion at Dachangshu points at both sides, and those in the Tianshu+Dachangshu group were given moxibustion at Tianshu and Dachangshu points at one side and the other side alternatively. The groups were compared in terms of the changes in diarrhea index and the numbers of aquaporin protein-8 polypeptide (AQP8)-, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-, and substance P (SP)-positive cells in the small intestine after 72 hours. Results Compared with the normal group, the model group had a significant increase in diarrhea index (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the Tianshu group, the Dachangshu group, and the Tianshu+Dachangshu group had a significant reduction in diarrhea index (P<0.05); compared with the Tianshu group and the Dachangshu group, the Tianshu+Dachangshu group had a significant reduction in diarrhea index (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the model group had a significant reduction in the number of AQP8-positive cells (P<0.05) and significant increases in the numbers of VIP- and SP-positive cells in the small intestine (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the Tianshu+Dachangshu group had a significant increase in the number of AQP8-positive cells (P<0.05) and significant reductions in the numbers of VIP- and SP-positive cells in the small intestine (P<0.05). Conclusion Tianshu and Dachangshu have a synergistic effect in the treatment of diarrhea, and moxibustion exerts a therapeutic effect on diarrhea possibly by upregulating the expression of AQP8 and inhibiting the expression of VIP and SP.