Ameliorating effects of electroacupuncture on dysmotility, inflammation, and pain mediated via the autonomic mechanism in a rat model of postoperative ileus

Haruaki Murakami, Shiying Li, Robert Foreman, Jieyun Yin, Toshihiro Hirai, Jiande D.Z. Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background/Aims Postoperative ileus increases healthcare costs and reduces the postoperative quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study is to investigate effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 and PC6 on gastrointestinal motility in rat model of postoperative ileus. Methods Laparotomy was performed in 24 rats (control [n = 8], sham-EA [n = 8], and EA [n = 8]) for the implantation of electrodes in the stomach and mid-jejunum for recording of gastric and small intestinal slow waves. Electrodes were placed in the chest skin for electrocardiogram (ECG). Intestinal manipulation (IM) was performed in Sham-EA and EA rats after surgical procedures. Small intestinal transit (SIT), gastric emptying (GE), postoperative pain, and plasma TNF-α were evaluated in all rats. Results (1) Compared with sham-EA, EA accelerated both SIT (P < 0.05) and GE (P < 0.05) and improved regularity of small intestinal slow waves. (2) Compared with the control rats (no IM), IM suppressed vagal activity and increased sympathovagal ratio assessed by the spectral analysis of heart rate variability from ECG, which were significantly prevented by EA. (3) EA significantly reduced pain score at 120 minutes (P < 0.05, vs 15 minutes) after the surgery, which was not seen with sham-EA. (4) Plasma TNF-α was increased by IM (P = 0.02) but suppressed by EA (P = 0.04) but not sham-EA. Conclusion The postoperative ileus induced by IM, EA at ST36 and PC6 exerts a prokinetic effect on SIT and GE, a regulatory effect on small intestinal slow waves and an analgesic effect on postoperative pain possibly mediated via the autonomic-cytokine mechanisms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)286-299
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
Volume25
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019

Keywords

  • Dysmotility
  • Electroacupuncture
  • Ileus
  • Inflammation
  • Pain

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Gastroenterology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Ameliorating effects of electroacupuncture on dysmotility, inflammation, and pain mediated via the autonomic mechanism in a rat model of postoperative ileus'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this