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Electroacupuncture via chronically implanted electrodes improves gastric dysmotility mediated by autonomic‐cholinergic mechanisms in a rodent model of functional dyspepsia
Author(s) -
Zhang S.,
Li S.,
Liu Y.,
Ye F.,
Yin J.,
Foreman R. D.,
Wang D.,
Chen J. D. Z.
Publication year - 2018
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/nmo.13381
Subject(s) - electroacupuncture , medicine , cholinergic , atropine , gastric emptying , endocrinology , electrogastrogram , stomach , vagus nerve , anesthesia , acupuncture , alternative medicine , pathology , stimulation
Background Electroacupuncture ( EA ) has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia ( FD ). However, its mechanisms remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate mechanisms of the prokinetic effects of EA in a rodent model of FD . Methods A FD model was established by neonatal treatment of iodoacetamide ( IA ). Eight weeks later, the rats were implanted with electrodes in the stomach for the measurement of gastric slow waves ( GSW ) and electrodes into acupoints ST 36 for EA . Autonomic functions were assessed by the spectral analysis of heart rate variability. Key Results (i) The IA ‐treated rats (“ FD ” rats) showed increased dysrhythmia in both fasting and fed states ( P < .01) as well as during rectal distention ( P < .02). EA reduced the percentage of dysrhythmia ( P < .05 for both fasting and fed) and normalized RD ‐induced impairment in GSW in “ FD ” rats. Atropine blocked the effect of EA on GSW . (ii) “ FD ” rats showed delayed gastric emptying ( P = .001 vs control) that was accelerated with EA ( P = .01, vs sham‐ EA ). (iii) “ FD ” rats showed increased plasma norepinephrine ( P = .006, vs control) that was suppressed with EA ( P = .003) and reduced vagal activity that was improved with EA . Conclusions and Inferences Gastric motility ( GSW and GE ) is impaired in rats treated with IA , possibly attributed to impaired autonomic functions. EA improves GSW and accelerates GE mediated via the autonomic and cholinergic mechanisms.