Gastric distention-related neurons in dorsal nucleus of the vagus nerve of rats in response to different acupuncture acupoints / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Preliminary studies of our research group mainly focus on the role of nucleus of solitary tract in gastric noxious stimulation and acupuncture point, while dorsal nucleus of vagus nerve, nucleus of solitary tract and area postrema are the necessary component for vagus nerve complex, and dorsal nucleus of vagus nerve plays a crucial role in the regulation of gastric functions. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of acupuncture at Zusanli, Neiguan, Pishu and Shenshu acupoints on the gastric-related neurons in dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve. METHODS:The gastric related neurons in dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve of gastric distension rats were identified using extracellular recording technique, according to neuroelectrophysiology method. Acupuncture stimulation was given to Zusanli, Neiguan, Pishu and Shenshu for 15 seconds. The effect of body stimulation on the gastric distension related neurons in dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve of rats was recorded. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Among the involved 24 rats, 90 neurons at paraventricular hypothalamic necleus exhibited discharge. Among the discharged neurons, 54 neurons were related to gastric distension. After acupuncture stimulation at Zusanli, Neiguan, Pishu and Shenshu, there were 44, 39, 38, 27 neurons giving a response, the reaction rate was 82%, 72%, 70%and 50%, respectively. Acupunture at different nerve segment acupoints can activate the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve to different degrees, which is involved in the regulation of gastric motility.