Effects of electroacupuncture at Fenglong (ST 40) on SOD and MDA in different organs of the hyperlipemia rat / 中国针灸

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To probe into the target organ of Fenglong (ST 40) and the mechanism in resolving phlegm.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, a blank control group, a model group and a Fenglong group, 10 rats in each group. The hyperlipemia rat model was prepared by feeding high fat forage. The blank control group were fed by basic forage each day, and other 2 groups were fed with high fat forage each day. After the rats were fed for 2 weeks, EA was given at "Fenglong" (ST 40) in the rats of the Fenglong group, twice each week, for 10 times. At the end of EA treatment, SOD activities and MDA contents in the spleen, lung, liver and pancreas were detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Acupuncture at "Fenglong" (ST 40) significantly increased SOD activities in the spleen and lung, decreased MDA content in the lung, and had a tendency to decrease SOD activity and to increase MDA content in the liver, while it did not significantly influence SOD activity and MDA content in the pancreas.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The target organs of "Fenglong" (ST 40) regulating SOD activity and MDA content are spleen, lung and liver, particularly, spleen and lung, with no relation with pancreas. It is indicated that the resolving phlegm function of "Fenglong" (ST 40) is related with promoting metabolism of free radiations in special organs.</p>