“Intensity-Response” Effects of Electroacupuncture on Gastric Motility and Its Underlying Peripheral Neural Mechanism

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the “intensity-response” relationship between EAS and the effect of gastric motility of rats and its underlying peripheral neural mechanism by employing ASIC3 knockout (ASIC3−/−), TRPV1 knockout (TRPV1−/−), and C57BL/6 mice. For adult male Sprague-Dawley (n = 18) rats, the intensities of EAS were 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 mA, respectively. For mice (n = 8 in each group), only 1 mA was used, by which C fiber of the mice can be activated. Gastric antrum motility was measured by intrapyloric balloon. Gastric motility was facilitated by EAS at ST36 and inhibited by EAS at CV12. The half maximal facilitation intensity of EAS at ST36 was 2.1–2.3 mA, and the half maximal inhibitory intensity of EAS at CV12 was 2.8 mA. In comparison with C57BL/6 mice, the facilitatory effect of ST36 and inhibitive effect of CV12 in ASIC3−/− mice decreased, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, these effects in TRPV1−/− mice decreased significantly (P < 0.001). The results indicated that there existed an “intensity-response” relationship between EAS and the effect of gastric motility. TRPV1 receptor was involved in the regulation of gastric motility of EAS.

Ameliorating Effects of Electroacupuncture on Dysmotility, Inflammation, and Pain Mediated via the Autonomic Mechanism in a Rat Model of Postoperative Ileus

“…Similar findings have been reported in previous studies. [5][6][7][8][9][10] Unlike in the small intestine, the IM -induced delay in gastric emptying was unrelated to the gastric slow wave. This was because IM did not alter gastric DF, DP, or rhythmicity in comparison with the control rats (same abdominal surgery without IM).…”

Manual Acupuncture and Laser Acupuncture for Autonomic Regulations in Rats: Observation on Heart Rate Variability and Gastric Motility

“…TRPV1 receptor was involved in the regulation process of EAS [5]. Previous studies also suggested that acupuncture at the lower limbs stimulated gastric motility via vagal cholinergic pathways, while acupuncture at the abdomen inhibited gastric motility via sympathetic pathways in rats [9].…”

Effects of Different Local Moxibustion-Like Stimuli at Zusanli (ST36) and Zhongwan (CV12) on Gastric Motility and Its Underlying Receptor Mechanism

“…After an overnight fast, the animals were anesthetized with 10% urethane (1.0–1.2 g/kg, via intraperitoneal route). Surgical procedures were carried out as described previously [ 5 ]. Briefly, a tracheotomy was performed to maintain an open, low resistance airway.…”

“…The activation of different afferent fibers could produce distinct effects on certain conditions [ 2 – 4 ]. Our previous work showed that modulatory effects of electroacupuncture on gastric motility were closely related to the stimulating intensity, which the A δ fiber and TRPV1 receptor were involved in [ 5 ].…”