ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of acupuncture on the sleeping quality of male Wistar rats with stress induced gastric mucosal injury from the viewpoint of the brain-intestine axis. Methods Male Wistar rats were randomized into normal control, model, ST36-CV12, BL62-KI6, and combined groups, with 8 rats in each group. The model was established by using intragastric perfusion of ethanol in the rats. Acupoints of Zusanli (ST36) and Zhongwan (CV12) on both sides were used for the ST36-CV12 group. Acupoints of Shenmai (BL62) and Zhaohai (KI6) on both sides were used for the BL62-KI6 group. All four acupoints were used for the combined group. 0.22 mm × 13 mm stainless steel filiform needles were inserted 5-10 mm deep, and were left untouched for 20 minutes before withdrawal. The acupoints were stimulated each day for five days and the paw withdraw thermal latency (PWTL) was detected after the last stimulation. 2%pentobarbital sodium was then injected (40 mg/kg), and sleeping time of rats was detected. Gastric mucosa was observed through naked eyes. Gastric mucosal ulcer Index was determined by using the Guth method. 5-HT and DA contents were detected by using HPLC-ECD method. Results Compared with the normal control group, PWTL and sleeping time decreased (P<0.01), and UI, 5-HT, and DA content increased in model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, PTWL and sleeping time increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and UI decreased in all treatment groups (P<0.01). 5-HT content in ST36-CV12 and combined groups decreased significantly, and DA content in ST36-CV12 group dropped (P<0.01). Compared with other treatment groups, PWTL and sleeping time increased significantly (P<0.01), and UI decreased obviously in combined group (P<0.01). Conclusion Stimulating acupoints of Zusanli, Zhongwan, Shenmai, and Zhaohai (KI6) may promote the recovery of gastric mucosal injury while at the same time increase sleeping time, with four acupoints used in combination having the best efficacy. The mechanism may be related to adjusting contents of 5-HT and DA in corpus striatum.