Effect of Electroacupuncture on Experimental Epilepsy: Roles of Different Acupoints and Stimulation Parameters
- VernacularTitle:Effect of Electroacupuncture on Experimental Epilepsy: Roles of Different Acupoints and Stimulation Parameters
- Author:
Xuezhi KANG
;
Ying XIA
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Epilepsy;
Electroacupuncture;
Acupuncture Points
- From:
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science
2008;6(5):279-280
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective: The strategies against epilepsy are currently very limited. The author performed this work to determine the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on epileptic seizures and define the optimal EA conditions (acupoints and stimulation parameters). Methods: Experimental epilepsy was induced by injecting kainic acid into the lateral cerebral ventricle of adult male SD rats. EA with a current of 1 mA/100 Hz or 1 mA/10 Hz was applied to the model starting at 0.5 h after the injection for 30 min. Four pairs of acupoints were tested, including Renzhong (GV 26) + Dazhui (GV 14), Jinsuo (GV 8) + Yaoqi (Ex-B 9), Neiguan (PC 6) + Quchi (LI 11) and Fenglong (ST 40) + Yongquan (KI 1). Results: Behavioral scores showed that (1) either high (100 Hz) or low (10 Hz) frequency EA at different acupoints attenuated epileptic seizures (P<0.05 or 0.01 vs. the control), except EA at Neiguan (PC 6) + Quchi (LI 11) with 1 mA/10 Hz current; (2) EA with low frequency stimulation (10 Hz) induced a better effect at Fenglong (ST 40) + Yongquan (KI 1) than other acupoints (P<0.05 or 0.01); (3) there was no significant difference in EA effects induced by various acupoints when exposed to high frequency EA (100 Hz); and (4) high frequency EA (100 Hz) elicited a better effect than low frequency EA (10 Hz) in all groups (P<0.05 or 0.01) except for that of Jinsuo (GV 8) + Yaoqi (Ex-B 9). EEG showed the similar tendency, i.e., EA generally reduced the amplitude and frequency of epileptic discharges. Conclusion: Electroacupuncture attenuates epileptic seizures, which is relatively specific to EA parameters and acupoints.
