Effects of electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) on elec tric activities of the stomach and brain-gut peptides in rats

ObjectiveTo explore substance basis of internal relati on s between Zusanli (ST 36) and gastric movement. Methods The electr ogastrogram was recorded in 24 healthy adult rats by implanted electrodes and th en effects of electroacupuncture on the electric activities of the stomach were investigated. After the experiment was completed, 1 5 mL blood and gastric antr um tissue were taken, and contents of substance P, motilin (MLT) and gastrins (GAS) in plasma and the gastric antrum tissue were determined by redioimmuoassay. ResultsThe mean amplitude change rate of the slow wave high active phase, the slow wave high active time course/cycle ratio, and difference of rapid wave peak numbers in electrogastrogram after acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) were significantly higher than those in the control group (P0 05,P0 01); and the contents of the brain-gut peptides in the gastric antrum all were higher than those of the control group in varying degrees (P0 05,P0 01). ConclusionElectroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) can strengthen electric activities of the stomach and the strengthening of the electric activities is synchronous with the increase of the brain-gut peptide contents.