Electroacupuncture at acupoint ST 37(Shangjuxu) improves function of the enteric nervous system in a novel mouse constipation model.

Chao Liang,Zhi Yu,Bin Xu,Kaiyue Wang

doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1377-5

Chao Liang, Zhi Yu + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-016-1377-5

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Abstract

BackgroundElectroacupuncture (EA) at acupoint ST 37 (Shangjuxu) has been used to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms and improve gastrointestinal motility. However, the mechanisms by which EA affects the enteric nervous system (ENS) have scarcely been investigated. In this study, we investigated whether EA could improve ENS function.MethodsA constipation model was established by gastric instillation of ice-cold saline daily for 14 days. The constipated mice were divided into two groups: the model group, which was not treated, and the EA group, which received EA at ST 37 at a frequency of 2–15 HZ and an amplitude of 1 mA for 15 min a day for 3 days. A further six mice were included as a non-constipated control group. After EA treatment, intestinal propulsion and defecation time were measured. Additionally, in jejunum, ileum and proximal colon myenteric plexus, the expressions of PGP9.5 and nNOS were measured by immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe EA group demonstrated significant improvements in carbon propulsion rates and defecation time compared to model group (P < 0.05). In addition, after EA, the PGP9.5 and nNOS expression in jejunum, ileum and proximal colonic myenteric plexus was back to normal levels.ConclusionThis study suggests that EA stimulation at ST 37 is capable of ameliorating intestinal motility dysfunction, and can partly restore enteric neuron function. The ENS can participate in changes in intestinal motility by affecting inhibitory neurons.

Highlights

Electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoint ST 37 (Shangjuxu) has been used to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms and improve gastrointestinal motility
After EA stimulation treatment, defecation time significantly decreased compared to constipation models and almost returned to normal (Fig. 2)
Effect of EA on total neuronal PGP9.5 protein expression Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the number of PGP9.5-positive cells in the constipation model was markedly decreased compared with the control group in the small intestine and proximal colon

Summary

Introduction

Electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoint ST 37 (Shangjuxu) has been used to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms and improve gastrointestinal motility. The mechanisms by which EA affects the enteric nervous system (ENS) have scarcely been investigated. We investigated whether EA could improve ENS function. Constipation is a symptom of underlying defects in transit of fecal mass through the gut or in defecation, and is a commonly diagnosed functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. Electroacupuncture (EA) at different acupoints has come to be recognized as a potential effective therapy to treat GI disorder. Preclinical researches have shown that ST 37 could increase GI transit, relieve defecation difficulty and improve life quality [7,8,9], and indicated that it is effective for constipation.

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