Effect of qigong on experimental inflammation and neutrophil chemiluminescence

In order to evaluate the possible role of qigong in treatment of some inflammatory diseases, the effect of qigong on the experimental inflammation (paw edema) and neutrophil (PMNs) chemiluminescence (CL) were studied.

Wistar rats, weighing 200—250 g were used in this investigation. The paw edema was produced by an injection of 0.l ml of a 1% suspension of carrageenin in 0.9% saline into the hind paw. The length around the paw was determined six hours later. PMNs were isolated from the peritoneal cavity of glycogen treated rat. The CL system consists of 5 X10exp6 PMNs, 0.l ml of 0.l mM luminal and I mg of opsonized zymosan . The CL reading was determined by a Biological Chemiluminescence Instrument.

The results showed that (l) Qigong could inhibit carrageenin-induced paw edema. The increased length around the paw (ILRp) in the qigong group was 0.557±0.035 cm (n=26, P<0.01), and was similar to the hydrocortisone group (0.206±0.028, n=26). (2) Qigong could stimulate PMNs CL in vitro. The CL reading in the qigong group increased from 168.7±16.2 (n=22) to 236.3±23.5 (n= 22 , P<O.01).

Neutrophil (PMNs) is an important inflammatory cell. PMNs activation and products (Iysosome enzymes and oxygen free radical) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute inflammatory reaction. In the present study, we have found that qigong can prevent the development of carrageenin-induced paw edema and stimulate PMNs activation in vitro. The possible mechanism of the qigong effect is very complex and will be studied in the future.