[Effects of electroacupuncture treatment on nitrergic neurotransmitter in bladder neck and detrusor of rats with unstable bladder].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture treatment on nitrergic neurotransmitter in bladder neck and detrusor of rats with unstable bladder. METHODS: Rat models of unstable bladder were established by operation to induce urethral obstruction. Electroacupuncture treatment was given by acupuncturing Huiyang and Zhonglushu points for a week. Then the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)- and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-positive cells in bladder neck and detrusor of the rats were observed. RESULTS: The nitrergic neurotransmitter in bladder neck and detrusor were obviously decreased in rats with unstable bladder. The electroacupuncture treatment could significantly increase the contains of NOS in bladder tissue. CONCLUSION: To promote the synthesis and secretion of nitrergic neurotransmitter in bladder tissue may be one of the mechanisms of acupuncture in adjusting bladder function.