Effect of Various Acupuncture Treatment Protocols upon Sepsis in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Sepsis is a syndrome characterized by infection and generalized inflammatory response that can lead to organ failure and death. In this study we standardize a model to investigate acupuncture's effects upon sepsis. the objectives were to study the use of acupuncture in the infectious process and to formulate acupuncture's treatment protocol for sepsis. The CLP (cecal ligation and puncture) model in rats was used to induce sepsis through bacterial entrance into the peritoneal cavity. An acupuncture treatment protocol that enhanced survival and reversed the neutrophil impairment migration toward the peritoneal cavity in rats with sepsis was achieved. It seems that acupuncture can be used for the treatment of experimental infectious processes. The effects of acupuncture and related mechanisms are discussed.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of indole–imidazolidine derivatives

“…reductions in the level polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity. Among the models used in experimental studies, the induction of neutrophil migration via the intraperitoneal injection of carrageenan, a substance that stimulates intense chemotactic action, is commonly used in the investigation of acute inflammatory processes [26]. The mechanism of action by which carrageenan induces leukocyte migration may be a synergism between prostaglandins, leukotriene B4 and other chemotactic agents [27].…”

Acupuncture Stimulation of ST36 (Zusanli) Attenuates Acute Renal but Not Hepatic Injury in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Rats

“…The acupuncture protocols were developed according to previously published protocols (3,5,9,10). Rats were lightly immobilized using special cages and handling to minimize stress.…”

“…For instance, ST36 acupuncture has been shown to inhibit tumor necrosis factor-␣ (TNF-␣) production (3), attenuate trauma-induced immunosuppression (4), and reverse sepsis-induced neutrophil migration impairment in septic rats (5). ST36 acupuncture has also been shown to activate the parasympathetic efferent pathway (6), a pathway thought to have significant antiinflammatory effects against sepsis (7).…”

Role of physiologic issues in future therapy of rheumatoid arthritis I. Chronic inflammation toward action of parasympathetic system

“…I przeciwnie -gdy układ adrenergiczny jest aktywny, akupunktura aktywuje przeciwstawny układ cholinergiczny, pobudzając perystaltykę i utrzymując w ten sposób homeostazę organizmu [28,29]. Modulacja aktywności układu autonomicznego, szczególnie nerwu błędnego, za pomocą różnych środków (również akupunktury) może być rzeczywistym przełomem w terapii chorób zapalnych [30].…”