摘要：
Previous studies have shown that somatic sensation by acupuncture and visceral nociceptive stimulation can converge in the nucleus tractus solitarii where neurons integrate signals impacting on the function of organs. To explore the role of the nucleus tractus solitarii in the protective mechanism of pre-moxibustion on gastric mucosa, nucleus tractus solitarii were damaged in rats and pre-moxibustion treatment at the Zusanli (ST36) point followed. The gastric mucosa was then damaged by the anhydrous ethanol lavage method. Morphological observations, enzyme linked immunosorbent assays, and western immunoblot analyses showed that gastric mucosa surface lesion and the infiltration of inflammatory cells were significantly ameliorated after pre-moxibustion treatment. Furthermore, the gastric mucosal damage index and somatostatin level were reduced, and epidermal growth factor content in the gastric mucosa and heat-shock protein-70 expression were increased. These results were reversed by damage to the nucleus tractus solitarii. These findings suggest that moxibustion pretreatment at the Zusanli point is protective against acute gastric mucosa injury, and nucleus tractus solitarii damage inhibits these responses. Therefore, the nucleus tractus solitarii may be an important area for regulating the signal transduction of the protective effect of pre-moxibustion on gastric mucosa.
摘要：
AIM: To discuss the protective effect of electroacupuncture at the Foot-Yangming Meridian on gastric mucosal lesion, somatostatin (SS) and the expression of SS receptor genes (SSRimRNA) in rabbits with gastric ulcer and to further explore the relative specificity of meridians and viscera at gene expression level. METHODS: Forty rabbits were randomly divided into control group (A), gastric ulcer model group (B), Foot-Yangming Meridian group (C), Foot-Shaoyang Meridian group (D) and Foot-Taiyang Meridian group (E). The gastric ulcer model was prepared by infusing alcohol into stomach. Groups C-E were treated with electroacupuncture at points along the above meridians using meridian stimulating instruments for 7 days respectively. By the end of treatment, the index of gastric ulcer was determined, the amount of epidermal growth factor(EGF) and somatostatin was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). SS-R(1)mRNA expression in gastric mucosa was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The value of EGF in model group was obviously lower(73.6 +/- 14.8 vs 91.3 +/- 14.9 pg/mL, P < 0.01) than that in control group. The index of gastric ulcer, content of SS and expression of SSR(1)mRNA in gastric mucosa were significantly higher than those in control group (24.88 +/- 6.29 vs 8.50 +/- 2.98 scores, P < 0.01; 2978.6 +/- 587.6 vs 1852.4 +/- 361.7 mIU/mL, P < 0.01; 2.56 +/- 0.25 vs 1.04 +/- 0.36, P < 0.01). The value of EGF in Foot-Yangming Meridian group was higher than that in model group(92.2 +/- 6.7 vs 73.6 +/- 14.8 pg/mL, P < 0.01). The index of gastric ulcer, content of SS and expression of SS-R1mRNA in gastric mucosa were significantly lower than those in control group(10.88 +/- 3.23 vs 24.88 +/- 6.29 scores, P < 0.01; 1800.2 +/- 488 vs 2978.6 +/- 587.6 mIU/mL, P < 0.01; 1.07 +/- 0.08 vs 2.56 +/- 0.25 mIU/mL, P < 0.01). Compared to the model group, the content of SS and expression of SSR(1)mRNA in gastric mucosa in Foot-Shaoyang Meridian group decreased (2441.0 +/- 488. vs 2978.6 587.6 mIU/mL, P < 0.05;1.73 +/- 0.16 vs 2.56 0.25 mIU/mL, P < 0.01). But the above parameters in Foot-Taiyang Meridian group did not improve and were significantly different from those in Foot-Yangming Meridian group (P < 0.05) CONCLUSION: Electro-acupuncture at Foot-Yangming Meridian can protect gastric mocusa against injury. The mechanism may be releted to the regulation of brain-gut peptides and the expression of SSRimRNA. (c) 2006 The WIG Press. All rights reserved.
