Effects of acupoint laser irradiation on gastric acid secretion and NO content in chronic atrophic gastritis

Abstract

Objective To study the effects of He-Ne laser irradiation on the pH value of gastric juice, the ultrastructure of gastric parietal cells and the content of nitric oxide (NO) in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). Methods Sixty healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a model group, a drug group, an acupuncture group and a laser acupoint group, each of 12. A CAG model was successfully introduced to all except those in the normal control group through the administration of sodium salicylate and alcohol, combined with fasting and water deprivation, running fatigue and other interventions. The rats of the drug, acupuncture and laser acupuncture groups were given medications, acupuncture at Zusanli acupoint and laser irradiation at Zusanli acupoint accordingly. After 14 days of treatment, all of the rats were executed and diluted gastric juice and gastric tissues were collected. NO content in serum was determined using a nitrate enzyme reduction method, the pH value of gastric juice was measured, and the ultrastructure of the gastric mucosa was observed using a transmission electron microscope. Results The average pH of the gastric juice and the average serum NO content were both significantly higher in the model group than in the normal control group. In the model group the membrane structure of the parietal cells was absent or partly dissolved and the mitochondria were swollen. Drugs, acupuncture and laser irradiating at the Zusanli acupoint all corresponded with reduced pH and NO content, but the most significant improvements were observed in the laser acupuncture group. In the laser acupuncture group the membrane structure of parietal cells was complete, and the cytoplasmic organelles had nearly returned to normal. Conclusions Laser irradiation can promote recovery from CAG, increasing the secretion of gastric acid and decreasing the serum level of NO. Both have a good curative effect for CAG. Laser irradiation deserves further clinical research and promotion. Key words: Laser acupuncture; Lasers; Acupuncture; Gastritis; Nitric oxide