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Electroacupuncture at ST-36 relieves visceral hypersensitivity and decreases 5-HT3 receptor level in the colon in chronic visceral hypersensitivity rats

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Abstract

Purpose

Visceral hypersensitivity is an important pathological mechanism of irritable bowel syndrome. Electroacupuncture (EA) could relieve chronic visceral hypersensitivity (CVH) in rats. However, little information is available about the mechanism. The aim of this study was to confirm the effects of EA at acupoint ST-36 (Zusanli) on CVH induced by the chemical colorectal irritation during postnatal development of rats, and to explore the possible 5-HT3 receptor mechanism.

Methods

Rats were randomized into four groups, including the normal control group, CVH group, CVH with EA group, and CVH with sham EA group. The abdominal electromyogram (EMG) in response to colorectal distension was selected as the index for measurement of visceral hypersensitivity. 5-HT3 receptors were analyzed through reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and western blot.

Results

EA at ST-36 significantly decreased evoked EMG. The expression of 5-HT3 receptor in the colon was increased in rats with CVH, and decreased after EA treatment.

Conclusions

EA at acupoint ST-36 attenuates CVH in rats and decreases 5-HT3 receptor level in the colon. Decreased 5-HT3 receptor level in the colon may mediate the beneficial effect of EA in rats with CVH.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jie Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei, China, 430022

    Dan Chu, Pengfei Cheng, Huiling Xiong, Junjun Zhang, Shi Liu & Xiaohua Hou

Authors
  1. Dan Chu
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  2. Pengfei Cheng
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  3. Huiling Xiong
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  4. Junjun Zhang
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  5. Shi Liu
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  6. Xiaohua Hou
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shi Liu.

Additional information

Dan Chu and Pengfei Cheng contributed equally to this work.

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Chu, D., Cheng, P., Xiong, H. et al. Electroacupuncture at ST-36 relieves visceral hypersensitivity and decreases 5-HT3 receptor level in the colon in chronic visceral hypersensitivity rats. Int J Colorectal Dis 26, 569–574 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-010-1087-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-010-1087-2

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