Abstract
Despite its ancient use as a therapeutic tool to treat several ailments, acupuncture still faces the challenge of scrutiny by Western science both in terms of its efficacy and in terms of the characterization of its effects and mechanisms of actions underlying these effects. We investigated under well-controlled and carefully characterized conditions the influence of electrical stimulation of acupuncture points ST-36 (Zusanli) and SP-6 (Sanyinjiao) on the myoelectric activity of the small intestine of 38 adult male Wistar rats. Electrical recordings obtained by means of four electrodes chronically implanted in the small intestine were used to assess the effects of acupuncture (electroacupuncture stimulation set at 2 Hz, intermittent stimulation, 1 V, for 30 min). Immobilization of the animals was associated with a consistent decrease (-8 +/- 7%) in the myoelectric activity of the small intestine as measured by means of the root mean square. Conversely, acupuncture was able to significantly increase (overshoot) this activity compared to baseline (+44 +/- 7%). In contrast, immobilized animals subjected to sham acupuncture had only modest (nonsignificant) increases in myoelectric activity (+9 +/- 6%). Using carefully controlled conditions we confirmed previous noncontrolled studies on the ability of acupuncture to alter intestinal motility. The characterization of the topographic and temporal profiles of the effects observed here represents a basis for future dissection of the physiological and pharmacological systems underlying these effects.
Highlights
The motor pattern of the small intestine can be classified into two main states, fasted and postprandial [1], which represent fundamentally different physiological states [2,3]
Similar results were obtained by Qian and colleagues [16] who demonstrated in dogs a significant increase in both the frequency and the amplitude of the slow waves of the migrating motor complex at the level of the stomach after the application of acupuncture at points ST-36 (Zusanli) and CS-6 (Neiguan)
Iwa and Sakita [17] have reported excitatory effects on small intestine motility of electroacupuncture applied to mice, they did not describe the specific acupoints used
Summary
The motor pattern of the small intestine can be classified into two main states, fasted and postprandial [1], which represent fundamentally different physiological states [2,3]. During fasting the motor activity of the small intestine shows a highly organized pattern and is characterized by a sequence of specific and recurrent myoelectric events defined as migrating motor complex [1,4,5,6]. Despite its wide clinical acceptance in Eastern societies, to date very little work has been done at the experimental level to test the efficacy of acupuncture stimulation under carefully controlled conditions and to address the features of such effects in areas other than analgesia [12,15]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
