Effect of Electro-acupuncture at Hegu Point on Writhing Behavior,PGE_2,PGF_(2α) and β-EP Levels in Dysmenorrheal Rats

Objective: To preliminarily study the analgesic effects of electroacupuncture ( EA) at Hegu ( LI4) point in dysmenorrhea rats and explore the mechanism. Methods: 30 SD female rats aged three-month-old in the estrum were randomly divided into normal group,model group and EA group. Rats were given estradiol benzoate combined with oxytocin to prepare the models of dysmenorrhea and normal group was given the same dose of saline,EA group was given EA. The effect of EA at Hegu on the writhing behavior,PGE2、PGF2α、β-EP levels in dysmenorrheal rats were observed. Results: To compared with model group,the rats' writhing incubation period in EA at LI4 group was obviously prolonged,rats' writhing number and scores were decreased significantly( all P 0. 01); there was no significant difference between the two groups on uterus PGE2level( P 0.05); PGF2αlevel and PGF2α/PGE2 ratio were reduced significantly in EA group( all P 0. 01); β- EP level in plasma,uterus and hypothalamus had no significant difference( all P 0. 05),in pituitary that was significantly increased( P 0. 01). Conclusions: Electro- acupuncture at Hegu point can reduce PGF2αlevels and PGF2α/PGE2 ratio in the rats' uterus,increae β- EP level to achieve analgesic effect.