Effect of Electroacupuncture on Local Extracellular Ionized Atom Concentrations at Point Zusanli (ST36) / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on acupoint local extracellular ionized atom concentrations under physiological status and provide a basis for exploring the mechanism of action of electroacupuncture. Method Twenty male SD rats were selected. Rat point Zusanli (ST36) was given electroacupuncture (1 mA, 0.2 ms and 2 Hz) for 60 min. Meanwhile, local tissue fluid was collected at point Zusanli and non-acupoints using a microdialyzer. The collection by molecular probe membrane sampling lasted 4 hrs 60 min physiological status before electroacupuncture, 60 min electroacupuncture, 60 min after electroacupuncture and 120 min after electroacupuncture. Real-time analysis of the sample was made by electrolyte analysis to observe local changes in concentrations of Ca﹢﹢, K﹢, Na﹢and Cl- at point Zusanli. Result Local Ca﹢﹢concentrations at point Zusanli increased significantly during electroacupuncture (P=0.003, vs before electroacupuncture), rose gradually afterwards and reached the peak at 60 min after electroacupuncture (P=0.75, vs during electroacupuncture). Ca﹢﹢concentrations decreased at 120 min after electroacupuncture; there was a statistically significant difference comparedwith during electroacupuncture (P=0.04). Acupoint local extracellular concentrations of Na ﹢ and Cl- also increased significantly during electroacupuncture (P0.05). Conclusion Rat point Zusanli electroacupuncture can induce significant increases in acupoint local extracellular concentrations of Ca﹢﹢, K﹢, Na﹢and Cl- . Ionized atom concentrations decrease in different degrees after electroacupuncture. These provide an experimental basis for studying the physiological mechanism of electroacupuncture treatment.