Release of beta-endorphin from adrenal gland to lower plasma glucose by the electroacupuncture at Zhongwan acupoint in rats.
We found that electroacupuncture (EA) at the Zhongwan acupoint released beta-endorphin to induce an insulin-dependent hypoglycemia in rats. The present study investigated the source of beta-endorphin. EA at 2 Hz for 30 min in rats decreased plasma glucose that could be abolished by naloxone. A similar effect of EA was also observed in wild-type mice but disappeared in mu-opioid receptor knockout mice. Mediation of the mu(1)-opioid receptor is considered from the blockade of response to EA by naloxonazine in rats. Otherwise, adrenalectomy abolished not only the hypoglycemic response to EA in rat and mouse but also the increase of plasma beta-endorphin and insulin by EA in rats. In conclusion, the increase of plasma beta-endorphin by EA at 2 Hz is mainly from the adrenal gland.
Lin
Jaung-Geng
JG
Institute of Chinese Medical Science, China Medical College, Taichung City, Taiwan.
Chang
Shih-Liang
SL
Cheng
Juei-Tang
JT
D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000378:metabolism*; D000315:Adrenalectomy; D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D015671:Electroacupuncture; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009270:Naloxone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu; D009270:Naloxone; D001615:beta-Endorphin; C034643:naloxonazine