Effects of Electroacupuncture on the Pressure in Pylonic Antrum in Dogs

Objective To investigate the regulation of electroacupuncture(EA)on the pressure in pyloric antrum and its relation to the contents of calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)and endothelin(ET)in plasma and gastric mucosa in dogs.Methods Twenty dogs were randomly and evenly divided into 4 groups,i.e.control group,Feijingfeixue group,Zusanli group and Shangjuxu group.By using manometric recording technique and radioactive-immunon-assay methods,the pressure in pyloric sphincter and the contents of calcitonin gene-related peptide and endothelin in plasma and gastric mucosa were simultaneously measured.Results In Zusanli group,after EA stimulation,a decrease was observed in the total pressure,basic pressure(P0.01),wave frequency(P0.05),contents of ET in plasma and in gastric mucosa,whereas an increase was observed in CGRP(P0.01)as compared with those of the control group.In Shangjuxu group,after EA stimulation,a decrease in the total and basic pressures and ET content in plasma,and an increase in plasma CGRP content(P0.05)were observed.The change in Zusanli group was more significant than Shangjuxu group.No significant changes were observed in other groups.Conclusion Electroacupuncture at Zusanli point can significantly reduce pressure in pyloric sphincter and has retulative effect on gastrointestinal functions.This acupoint specific effect is probably related to the changes of brain-gut peptide.