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Effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture on glucagon‐induced small intestinal hypomotility in dogs
Author(s) -
Sun Y.,
Song G.,
Yin J.,
Chen J.,
Chen J. H.,
Song J.,
Chen J. D. Z.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
neurogastroenterology and motility
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.489
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1365-2982
pISSN - 1350-1925
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2010.01565.x
Subject(s) - glucagon , electroacupuncture , medicine , endocrinology , atropine , (+) naloxone , migrating motor complex , postprandial , antagonist , hormone , acupuncture , small intestine , insulin , receptor , alternative medicine , pathology
Background Little is known on the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) ( Br Med J, 2 , 1976, 1225) on intestinal motility. The aim of this study was to investigate effects and mechanisms of EA on small intestinal contractions, transit, and slow waves in dogs. Methods Six dogs were equipped with two intestinal cannulas for the measurement of small intestinal contractions and transit. Glucagon was used to induce postprandial intestinal hypomotility. Each dog was studied in five randomized sessions: Control, glucagon, glucagon + EA, glucagon + EA + naloxone, and glucagon + EA + atropine. Key Results 1 In the fasting state, EA induced intestinal contractions during motor quiescence (contractile index or CI: 4.4 ± 0.8 VS 8.3 ± 0.7, P < 0.05). 2 In the fed state, EA improved glucagon‐induced intestinal hypomotility (CI: 3.8 ± 0.4 VS 6.1 ± 0.6, P < 0.05). 3 Electroacupuncture accelerated intestinal transit delayed by glucagon (67.9 ± 4.3 VS 40.2 ± 5.0 min, P < 0.05). 4 There was a negative correlation between the CI and the total transit time ( R 2 = 0.59, P < 0.05). 5 The excitatory effect of EA was blocked by naloxone and partially blocked by atropine. 6 The percentage of normal slow waves was reduced with glucagon (70 ± 2% VS 98 ± 1% at baseline, P = 0.0015). Electroacupuncture normalized impaired slow waves and the effect was blocked by naloxone. Conclusions & Inferences Electroacupuncture enhances intestinal contractions during Phase I of the migrating motor complex and glucagon‐induced hypomotility in the fed state, and accelerates intestinal transit via the opioid and cholinergic pathways in dogs. Electroacupuncture may have a therapeutic potential for intestinal hypomotility.