| MeSH |
Acupuncture Points*
Animals
Cats
Disease Models, Animal
Electroacupuncture*
Esophageal Sphincter, Lower/physiopathology*
Female
Gastric Dilatation/complications*
Gastroesophageal Reflux/etiology
Gastroesophageal Reflux/physiopathology
Gastroesophageal Reflux/therapy*
Humans
Male
Muscle Relaxation |
| Abstract |
BJECTIVE: To observe the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) of ""Zusanli"" (ST 36) and ST 36 + ""Neiguan"" (PC 6) on gastric distention induced transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) in cats.
METHODS:
Forty cats were randomly divided into model (gastric distension) group, EA-ST 36 group, EA-PC 6 group, EA-ST 36 + PC 6 group, EA-non-acupoint group, EA-ST 36 + saline (2 mL i.v.) group, EA-ST 36 + L-arginine (precusor of nitric oxide, 200 mg/kg i.v.) group, and EA-ST 36+Tacrine (cholinesterase inhibitor, 5.6 mg/kg i. p.) group, with 5 cats being in each group. TLESR model was established by extending the stomach with an air balloon. EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 3-4 mA) was applied to bilateral ST 36, PC 6 and ST 36 + PC 6 and non-acupoint (exterior-superior site of the hip) while gastric distension. L-Arginine was given 10 min before EA, and Tacrine was given 30 min before EA. The frequency of TLESR and lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) were recorded by using a perfused sleeve assembly.
RESULTS:
Compared with the model group, the frequency of TLESR in 60 min as well as the percentage of common cavity during TLESR were significantly decreased in the EA-ST 36, EA-PC 6, EA-ST 36 + PC 6, EA-ST 36 + saline groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the EA-ST 36 + saline group, the frequency of TLESR in 60 min was up-regulated significantly in the EA-ST 36 + Tacrine group (P < 0.01) rather than in the EA-ST 36 + L-Arginine group, suggesting a reduction of the efficacy of EA-ST 36 by cholinergic suppression (not by nitric oxide). No significant differences were found among the EA-ST 36, EA-PC 6 and EA-ST 36 + PC 6 groups in the frequency of TLESR and the percentage of common cavity (P > 0.05). In comparison with the baseline level, LESP was increased significantly only in the EA-ST 36 group (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
EA at ST 36 can reduce both the frequency of TLESR and the percentage of common cavity during TLESR in gastric distension cats, which may be mediated by cholinergic pathway. |
