Effects of electro-acupuncture of Zusanli point (足三里穴)on the enteric glia cells in rat with hemorrhagic shock

Zhao Zengkai; Shi Xian; Hu Sen; Wang Huan; Luo Hongmin

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-8521.2014.03.002

Abstract：Objective:To investigate the effects of electro-acupuncture of Zusanli point (足三里穴)on enteric glial cells of the rats after hemorrhagic shock,and inquire into the mechanism of electro-acupuncture of Zusanli points in treating gastrointestinal disease. Methods:Eighteen male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=6):sham operation group,model group,and electro-acupuncture group. Hemorrhagic shock was replicated by withdrawing 45% of the calculated total blood volume. Rats in electro-acupuncture group received electro-acu-puncture at Zusanli points (ST36)10 minutes after blood loss (electro-acupunctured for 1.5 hours,2-100 Hz, 2 mA). Electro-acupuncture at non-channel acupoints was performed in rats of model group. Rats in sham opera-tion group did not suffer from blood loss. Six hours after hemorrhage,animals were sacrificed,and distal small in-testine was harvested to prepare whole mount slide of myenteric plexuses. Morphological changes in enteric glial cells (EGCs)were observed with immunofluorescence staining of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP),and the quantity of GFAP was also determined by Western blotting. Results:Six hours after hemorrhage,morphological abnormalities including disfigurement of EGCs with stronger fluorescence were observed. The synapses of EGCs were distorted and became blurred or even discontinued. Electro-acupuncture at ST3 6 was found to attenuate mor-phological changes in EGCs,and enhance the fluorescence. Comparing with the group of sham operation,the ex-pression of GFAP was enhanced in rats of model group,while GFAP expression was even significantly higher after electro-acupuncture at ST36 (P<0.05). Conclusions:Electroacupuncture at ST36 can activate and protect the EGCs in rats with hemorrhagic shock.