OBJECTIVETo explore the analgesic effect and action mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) on gastric ulcer rats with liver-depression syndrome.

METHODSThrough open-field experimental method, 45 qualified SPF-grade male SD rats were selected and divided into a blank group, a model group and an EA group according to random number table method, 15 rats in each group. The model of gastric ulcer rats with liver-depression syndrome was established in the model group and the EA group by using chronic unpredictable stimulation combined with acetic acid burning method. Rats in the blank group did not receive intervention. Rats in the model group were treated with fixation and immobilization for 13 days. Rats in the EA group were treated with EA at "Liangqiu" (ST 34) and "Ganshu" (BL 18); EA voltage was 2 V; disperse-dense wave was selected with 4 Hz of disperse wave and 15 Hz of dense wave, and the intensity of EA was according to the slight vibration of local skin and; muscles; the needles were retained for 20 min, once a day for consecutive 6 days; there was an interval of 1 day' and the treatment was given for 2 weeks. The general condition, open-field experimental result and gastric ulcer index were observed; the western blotting method was applied to measure the expression of vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1) in hypothalamus and gastric antral mucosal, and ELISA method was applied to test the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) in hippocampus.

RESULTSAfter model establishment, the general behavior condition in the model group was inferior to that in the blank group, which was obviously improved after EA. The range of motion in the model group was less than that in the blank group (P<0.01) while that in the EA group was higher than that in the model group (P<0.01). The ulcer inhibition rate was. 54.95%, and the ulcer index in the EA group was lower than that in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with; the blank group, the expression of VR1 in hypothalamus and gastric antral mucosal in the model group was increased (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the expression of VR1 in the EA group was reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the expression of 5-HT an NE in hippocampus in the model group was significantly reduced (both P<0.01); compared with the model group, the expression of 5-HT and NE in the EA group was increased (both P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONEA at "Liangqiu" (ST 34) and "Ganshu" (BL 18) has certain analgesic effect in gastric ulcer rats with liver-depression syndrome, which is likely to be related with lowering the contents of VR1 in hypothalamus and gastric antral mucosal and increasing the content of 5-HT and NE in hippocampus.

Acupuncture Analgesia ; Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Humans ; Liver ; physiopathology ; Male ; Nociceptive Pain ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Serotonin ; metabolism ; Stomach Ulcer ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; therapy ; TRPV Cation Channels ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To discuss the establishment of gastric ulcer liver depression syndrome rat model and the therapeutical effects of electroacupuncture. Methods As the result of Open-field experimental method, 60 SPF male SD rats were selected as experimental animals. After 7 days of adaptive feeding, 60 rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, model control group, and electoracupuncture group, 15 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the other three groups were stimulated by chronic unpredictable stimulation to establish rat depression model. Then model control group was once again stimulated by chronic unpredictable stimulation for 13 days;electoracupuncture group was treated at Gan Shu (BL18) and Liang Qiu (ST34) acupoints for 13 days. General state of rats, Open-field experimental results and gastric ulcer index were observed. BDNF was measured by RT-PCR. GAS content was measured by ELISA. Results After modeling for 21 days, except for the blank group, the other three groups appeared listlessness, limb weakness, and fur dry and lose luster, appetites reduced, etc. After modeling for 34 days, compared with model group, model control group had more severe general state than model group. After acupuncture treatment, the general state of acupuncture group was improved. The horizontal and vertical activity sore in model group decreased significantly compared with the blank group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the horizontal and vertical activity sore in model control group decreased significantly (P<0.05), and increased significantly in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.01). Ulcer index in the model group increased significantly compared with the blank group (P<0.01). Ulcer index in the model control group increased significantly compared with the model group (P<0.01). Ulcer index in electroacupuncture group decreased significantly (P<0.01). BDNF mRNA expression in hippocampus of model group decreased significantly compared with the blank group (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the BDNF mRNA expression in hippocampus of model control group decreased significantly (P<0.05). The BDNF mRNA expression in the electroacupuncture group increased significantly (P<0.01). The GAS content in the model group increased significantly compared with the blank group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the GAS content in the model control group increased significantly (P<0.05). The GAS content in the electroacupuncture group decreased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion The establishment of depressive rat gastric ulcer model which combining disease and syndrome together proves the feasibility of this animal experimental model. Electroacupuncture for Gan Shu (BL18) and Liang Qiu (ST34) can improve the efficacy of this model.