Behavioral Evaluation of acupuncture treatment in AMPH experimental administration ‐ Preliminary Results

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture treatment of behavioral changes caused by amphetamines (AMPH).12 female Wistar rats were randomly divided in 3 groups, all treated with 3mg of AMPH by subc. inj. Group I was kept in observation. Group II was submitted to the application of acupuncture needles 15 minutes after AMPH, at the following points: LV13; SP2; SP6; SP9; ST36; UB20 and Ren Mai 12. Group III was submitted to acupuncture needles application in Sham points. Locomotor behavior was assessed using the open field test. Group III submitted to the application of the needles in sham pointsThe animals of group I showed lateral and back movements, jumps, excessive around movements, clonic, tonic and general convulsions, aggressiveness to environment, low position of the posterior and anterior members, pallor of the eyes, ears and feet; total absence of diuresis and defecation; lost of space perception, and abdominal distension. The animals of group II showed respiratory frequency diminishing, recovery from pailure, keeping of active reflex to stimuli. These animals didn't show any convulsion. The application in Sham points does not reproduce the benefits of using the accurate acupuncture points.These results that the animals submitted AMPH administration show locomotor and behavior changes that become reduced by the application of needles in the acupoints