OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture stimulation of "Tianshu" (ST 25) on electrical and mechanical activities of jejunum smooth muscle at different phases of interdigestive migrating motor complex (MMC) in normal rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying regulation of intestinal function. METHODS: A total of 16 adult SD rats were used in the present study. After 18-24 hours' fasting (with free access to water), the rats were subjected into experimental observation. Electromyogram and intestinal mechanical motor were respectively recorded by using implanted metal electrodes and strain gauge (sutured to the serosal surface of the jejunum) and biophysiological amplifier system. Manual acupuncture stimulation was applied to ST 25 for about 1 min at phase I, II and III of MMC, respectively. RESULTS: Following manual acupuncture stimulation of ST 25, the mean frequencies and amplitudes of both fast and slow waves of electrical activities and muscular contraction tension of the jejunum smooth muscle at phase II and III of MMC were significantly decreased compared to their baseline levels (P < 0.01). No significant changes were found in the mean frequency and amplitude of fast wave of electrical activities of the jejunum smooth muscle at phase I of MMC after acupuncture stimulation of ST 25 (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture stimulation of ST 25 can inhibit the jejunum electrical and mechanical activities at phase II and III of MMC in normal rats, probably via somato-sympathetic reflex.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture stimulation of "Tianshu" (ST 25) on electrical and mechanical activities of jejunum smooth muscle at different phases of interdigestive migrating motor complex (MMC) in normal rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying regulation of intestinal function. METHODS: A total of 16 adult SD rats were used in the present study. After 18-24 hours' fasting (with free access to water), the rats were subjected into experimental observation. Electromyogram and intestinal mechanical motor were respectively recorded by using implanted metal electrodes and strain gauge (sutured to the serosal surface of the jejunum) and biophysiological amplifier system. Manual acupuncture stimulation was applied to ST 25 for about 1 min at phase I, II and III of MMC, respectively. RESULTS: Following manual acupuncture stimulation of ST 25, the mean frequencies and amplitudes of both fast and slow waves of electrical activities and muscular contraction tension of the jejunum smooth muscle at phase II and III of MMC were significantly decreased compared to their baseline levels (P < 0.01). No significant changes were found in the mean frequency and amplitude of fast wave of electrical activities of the jejunum smooth muscle at phase I of MMC after acupuncture stimulation of ST 25 (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture stimulation of ST 25 can inhibit the jejunum electrical and mechanical activities at phase II and III of MMC in normal rats, probably via somato-sympathetic reflex.