The Effect of Low Frequency Electro-acupuncture at ST39 on Intestinal Motility in Rats

Abstract

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low frequency electroacupuncture at ST39 on intestinal motility in rats. Methods : Intestinal hypermotility and hypomotility in rats were induced by oral carbachol ingestion and loperamide injection. Rats were divided into seventeen experimental groups including the normal and holder groups. The rats were induced with intestinal hypermotility and hypomotility and divided into pre and post-treatment groups. I also carried out acupuncture (needle retention) and low frequency electro-acupuncture at ST39 or the sham point. I fed charcoal to rats after the treatment and calculated its distance travelled in the gastrointestinal tract, which was compared by groups so as to determine which treatment was more effective in increasing or decreasing intestinal motility. Results : 1. In normal rats, low frequency electro-acupuncture at ST39 showed no significant effect on intestinal motility. 2. Pre-treatment with acupuncture (needle retention) at ST39 on intestinal motility over-activated with carbachol significantly decreased intestinal motility in rats. 3. Pre-treatment with low frequency electro-acupuncture at ST39 on intestinal motility overactivated with carbachol significantly decreased intestinal motility in rats. 4. Pre-treatment with acupuncture (needle retention and low frequency electro-acupuncture) at ST39 showed no significant effect on intestinal hypomotility in rats that was induced by loperamide injection. Conclusions : These results suggest that acupuncture (needle retention) and low frequency electro-acupuncture at ST39 have preventive effects on intestinal hypermotility. Regardless of the stimulation method, ST39 showed an effect on intestinal motility. Further study is required to confirm other effects of ST39.