Electroacupuncture at He-Mu points reduces P2X4 receptor expression in visceral hypersensitivity

Neural Regeneration Research, 2013 · DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.22.006 · Published: August 1, 2013

Alternative Medicine Neurology Gastroenterology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of electroacupuncture on visceral hypersensitivity, a condition associated with irritable bowel syndrome, in rats. The researchers found that electroacupuncture at specific acupoints reduced the expression of P2X4 receptors in the colon and spinal cord of rats with visceral hypersensitivity. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture may alleviate visceral hypersensitivity by modulating P2X4 receptor activity.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

32 male specific pathogen-free Sprague-Dawl-ey neonatal rats

Evidence Level

Animal study

Key Findings

1
Electroacupuncture at Shangjuxu (ST37) and Tianshu (ST25) significantly reduced abdominal withdrawal reflex scores in rats with visceral hypersensitivity.
2
Electroacupuncture diminished P2X4 receptor immunoreactivity in the colon of rats with chronic visceral hypersensitivity.
3
Electroacupuncture diminished P2X4 receptor immunoreactivity in spinal cord tissue of rats with chronic visceral hypersensitivity.

Research Summary

This study explored the mechanism of electroacupuncture at He-Mu points in treating visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome. The study demonstrated that electroacupuncture reduced P2X4 receptor expression in the colon and spinal cord of rats with visceral hypersensitivity, similar to the effects of pinaverium bromide. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture can improve visceral hypersensitivity in rats with irritable bowel syndrome by diminishing P2X4 receptor immunoreactivity.

Practical Implications

Potential Treatment Strategy

Electroacupuncture at He-Mu points may serve as a potential therapeutic intervention for managing visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome.

Mechanism Elucidation

The study provides insights into the regulatory effect of acupuncture on purinergic receptors, specifically P2X4, in the context of visceral pain.

Clinical Translation

The findings offer a rationale for further investigating the clinical application of electroacupuncture for alleviating abdominal pain and discomfort in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The exact mechanisms by which electroacupuncture modulates P2X4 receptor expression require further investigation.
3
The study did not explore the long-term effects of electroacupuncture on visceral hypersensitivity.

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