中国结合医学杂志（英文版）Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine

Author Name	Affiliation	E-mail
XUE Qi-ming,XUE Ping,WANG Cheng-wei
LI Ning	Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu (610041), China	zhenjiuhuaxi@163.com

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Abstract:

Objective: To explore the protective effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST36) acupoint in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods: Sixty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups of 22 each: a SAP model group (SAP group), a sham-operated group (sham group) and a EA at ST36 acupoint group (EA group). A rat model of SAP was induced by pancreatic duct injection with 3.5% sodium taurocholate. EA was performed at ST36 acupoint for 30 min after induction of SAP and 30 min before sacrificed. The rats were killed at 3 h (n=7), 6 h (n=7) and 12 h (n=8) after operation, and blood samples were taken for the measurement of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and acetylcholine (Ach) by enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay. The pathological changes of pancreatic tissue, volume of ascites and pancreatic weight/body weight ratio were measured. Results: The serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 in the EA group were significantly lower than in the SAP group at 3, 6 and 12 h after the operation (P<0.05). Serum Ach in the EA group was significantly higher than in the SAP group at various time points after operation (P<0.05). The other parameters were clearly improved after treatment with EA. Conclusion: EA at ST36 acupoint might have a therapeutic effect in rats with SAP through activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway．