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Electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) Repairs Interstitial Cells of Cajal and Upregulates c-Kit Expression in Rats with SCI-Induced Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8896123 · Published: November 27, 2020

Alternative MedicineNeurologyGastroenterology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). NBD refers to colonic dysfunction caused by the central nervous system disease or injury. The researchers focused on interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), which are important for regulating gut motility, and c-Kit expression, a marker associated with ICC function. The study found that SCI led to abnormal ICC morphology and reduced c-Kit expression. Electroacupuncture at the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint improved ICC morphology, increased ICC numbers, and upregulated c-Kit expression in the SCI rats, suggesting a potential mechanism for EA's beneficial effects on NBD.

Study Duration
14 days
Participants
36 Sprague Dawley rats
Evidence Level
Not specified

Key Findings

  • 1
    Spinal cord injury resulted in abnormal morphology of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in the colon tissues of rats.
  • 2
    SCI led to a significant downregulation of c-Kit expression, both at the protein and gene levels, in the colon tissues of the rats.
  • 3
    Electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) improved the morphology and increased the number of ICCs, while also upregulating c-Kit expression in rats with SCI-induced NBD.

Research Summary

This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of EA therapy on defecation dysfunction after SCI, focusing on the effect of EA on ICCs and c-Kit expression. The research found that EA at Zusanli (ST36) could improve colon function in rats with SCI-induced NBD by repairing the morphology and increasing the number of ICCs and upregulating c-Kit expression. The study suggests that abnormal ICCs and the downregulated expression of c-Kit after SCI could be a cause of NBD and that EA's effect on these factors could be a potential mechanism for its benefits.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic potential of EA

Electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) could be a potential therapeutic intervention for managing neurogenic bowel dysfunction following spinal cord injury.

Mechanism-based understanding

The study provides insights into the underlying mechanisms of EA's beneficial effects, highlighting the role of ICCs and c-Kit expression.

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms behind EA's effects on NBD and to optimize its application in clinical settings.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
  • 2
    The specific mechanisms by which EA affects ICCs and c-Kit expression require further investigation.
  • 3
    The study focused on a specific acupoint (Zusanli), and the effects of EA at other acupoints were not examined.

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