Inhibition of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations by electrical acupoint stimulation

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Hi all,

 

Taken from:

http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/289/2/G197?maxtoshow=

<http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/289/2/G197?maxtoshow= & HITS

=10 & hits=10 & RESULTFORMAT= & fulltext=acupoint & searchid=1126634644977_791 & store

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& HITS=10 & hits=10 & RESULTFORMAT= & fulltext=acupoint & searchid=1126634644977_791 &

stored_search= & FIRSTINDEX=0 & sortspec=relevance

 

Acupuncture has been shown to modulate visceral sensation and function.

Traditionally, stimulation at the Neiguan (pericardial meridian) has been

used to treat upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Some of the effects of

acupuncture may be mediated through release of endogenous opioids and are

reversed by naloxone. Gastric distension is the major trigger for transient

lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) relaxations (TLESRs). The aim of this

study was to investigate the effect of electric stimulation at the Neiguan

and naloxone on the TLESRs. In 14 healthy volunteers, electrical acupoint

stimulation was applied at the Neiguan and a sham point on the hip in

randomized order on the same day. In 12 healthy volunteers, the effects of

naloxone (80 µg/kg iv bolus injection) and saline on electrical acupoint

stimulation were compared on separate days at least 1 wk apart. Oesophageal

motility was measured during distension of the proximal stomach with 500 ml

of air using a barostat balloon. Electric acupoint stimulation at the

Neiguan decreased the rate of TLESRs by ~

<http://ajpgi.physiology.org/math/sim.gif> 40% from a median of 6/h to 3.5/h

(P < 0.02). Acupoint stimulation had no effect on basal LES pressure, the

residual LES pressure during TLESRs, the duration of TLESRs, or

gastrointestinal symptoms of fullness, bloating, discomfort, or nausea. The

effect of acupoint stimulation was not inhibited by naloxone. Electric

acupoint stimulation at the Neiguan significantly inhibits the frequency of

TLESRs in response to gastric distention in healthy subjects. This effect

does not appear to be mediated through µ-opioid receptors.

 

Warm regards,

 

Attilio D'Alberto

Doctor of (Beijing, China)

B.Sc. (Hons) T.C.M., M.A.T.C.M.

07786198900

enquiries

<http://www.attiliodalberto.com/> www.attiliodalberto.com

 

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