[Effect of Electroacupuncture Stimulation of "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) on Spleen Lymphocytes Treg/Th 17 Immune Balance in Ulcerative Colitis Mice].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on spleen T-helper 17 (Th 17) and regulatory T (Treg) cell levels in mice with ulcerative colitis (UC), so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying improvement of UC. METHODS Kunming mice were randomized into control, UC model and EA groups, with 8 mice in each group. The UC model was established by giving the mice with 3% Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) for 5 days. EA (15 Hz/25 Hz, 0.1-0.2 mA) was applied at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36, used alternatively) for 10 min, once a day for 5 days. The animals' disease activity index [DAl, = (body weight index score + stool score + bleeding score)/3; 0-4 points] were calculated. The pathological changes of colon tissues were observed by light microscopy after H. E. stain, and spleen Treg (CD4⁺ CD²5⁺ Foxp³âº Treg) and Th 17 (CD³âº CD8⁺ IL-17⁺ Th 17) lymphocyte levels were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the DAl score and the ratio of Th 17/CD8⁺ T cells were significantly increased, while the ratio of Treg/CD4⁺ T cells obviously decreased in the model group (P < 0.05). After EA intervention, the increased DAI score and the ratio of Th 17/CD8⁺ T cells and the decreased Treg/CD4⁺ T cells were reversed (P < 0.05), and the inflammatory cell infiltration degree of the colon tissue was attenuated. CONCLUSION: EA intervention can improve the, UC rats' symptoms of activity state, bloody or viscidity stool and colonic inflammation, probably by regulating the balance between the spleenic Treg and Th 17 lymphocytes.