Effects of electroacupuncture on the pressure in pylonic antrum and plasma somatostatin, nitric oxide content in dogs

AIM: To investigate foe regulation of electroacupuncture(EA ) on the presssure in pyloric antrum andits relation to the contents of plasma somatostatin (SS).nitrio oxide (NO ) In dogs. METHODS: Hy using manometric recording technique. radioactive-immunon-assay and biochemical methods. the pressure in pyloric antrum and the change in the contents of plasma SS and NO were simultaneously measured. with or without EA stimulation at different acupoints in lab dogs. RESUITS: In the Zusanli group, afterEA stimulation. a decrease was observed in the total pressure (P＜0. 01). basic pressure (P＜0. 01). wave frequency (P＜0. 05 ) and plasma SS content (P＜0. 05) whereas an increase was found in plasma NO content (P＜0. 01 ) as comparedwith those of the control group. In the Shangjuxu group. after EA stimulation. a decrease in the total and basic pressures and an increase in the NO content (PM O. co) were ohserved. But the change in the Shangjllxu group was not sosignificant as that in the Zusanli group. No significantchanges were observed in other groups. CONCLUSION:Electroacupuncture at Zusanli point can significantly reducepressure in pyloric antrurn and wave frequency. which is indicative of the regulative effect of electroacupuncture on gastrointestinal dysfunctions. This effect is probably related tothe changes in plasma gut hormones and other active substances and is also acupoint specific.