An Approach to Regulation of Electro-acupuncture at Zusanli Acupoint on LESP in Rats / 中国中医药信息杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the effect of atropine and N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on the pressure of lower esophageal sphincter (LESP) regulated by electro-acupuncturing (EA) at Zusanli acupoint (He-Sea, st 36) of stomach meridian and explore the neural mechanism of EA. Methods Forty-eight rats were divided into six groups:control group, EA group, atropine group, atropine+EA group, L-NAME group and L-NAME+EA group. LESP was observed and recorded by using three-channel perfusion manometric measurement system. Results LESP increased significantly under or after EA at Zusanli acupoint. Cholinergic M receptor blocker partly abolished the influence of EA on LESP, but EA could restore the decreased pressure of cholinergic M receptor blocked rats. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor increased LESP, and EA could make it higher. Conclusions The main efferent pathway of regulating effect of EA at Zusanli acupoint on LESP is via the chlinergic nerve of vagus, and other mechanism possibly exits.