ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) in the spine and the activity of α 2 adrenergic receptors in rats with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods:In all, 48 adult female rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group and an acupuncture group. The sham operation group received sham vaginal distention. Both the model and acupuncture groups had SUI induced using endovaginal balloon dilatation. The former group then had no further intervention, while the latter was given acupuncture on the sanyinjiao point for one week. Urodynamic testing and leak point pressure (LPP) determination were then conducted with all three groups, as well as urethral sphincter electromyography. The expression of NMDA in the L 6-S 1 spinal segments using the polymerase chain reaction and α 2 adrenergic receptor activity was analyzed using western blotting. Results:No significant differences in the urodynamic variables were observed among the three groups. However, compared with the sham operation group, a significant decrease in the average LPP and the frequency and amplitude of the external urethral sphincter electromyography was observed in the model group. Moreover, compared with the model group, the acupuncture group showed significantly increased average LPP and higher electromyographic frequency and amplitude. The average mRNA and protein expression of NMDA in the spine were also significantly higher in the acupuncture group, as was the average α 2 receptor activity. Conclusions:Vaginal distention is an effective method of establishing urinary incontinence in rats. Electroacupuncture can not only improve the ability to store urine, it also increases urination, which may be related to the up-regulation of the expression of NMDA and α 2 adrenergic receptors.