Effect of Electroacupuncture on Serum and Muscular 5-HT and PGE_2 Contents in Rabbit Models of Shoulder Periarthritis

Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on serum and muscular 5-HT and PGE2 contents in rabbit models of shoulder periarthritis,and to discover the possible mechanism of electroacupuncture in intervening shoulder periarthritis.Method Twenty-four male New Zealand rabbits were randomized into a normal group,a model group,and an electroacupuncture group,8 in each group.The shoulder periarthritis model was established by constant mechanical strain and application of ice bag.Electroacupuncture intervention started on day 9,by selecting Jianyu(LI15) and Quchi(LI11),three times a week,12 times in total.Experimental samples,including serum,biceps,supraspinatus,and infraspinatus were collected on day 33,for detecting the changes of 5-HT and PGE2 contents.Result After modeling,serum and muscular 5-HT and PGE2 contents increased significantly(P0.01).In the electroacupuncture group,serum and muscular 5-HT and PGE2 contents were markedly lower compared to those in the model group(P0.05,P0.01);compared to the normal group,the electroacupuncture group only had a higher serum 5-HT level,and the differences in other indexes were statistically insignificant(P0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at Jianyu(LI15) and Quchi(LI11) can effectively reduce 5-HT and PGE2 contents in serum and shoulder periarticular muscles,relieve their induced inflammatory reaction and pain,and thus display peripheral anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.