[Effects of acupuncture at the points of the Pericardium Meridian on the activity of myocardial Ca2+-ATPase and gene expression in the rat of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the mechanism of acupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Ximen" (PC 4) of the Pericardium Meridian in treatment of myocardial ischemia.


METHODS
Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, sham-operation group, ischemia-reperfusion model group, Neiguan acupuncture group, Ximen acupuncture group and Zhigou acupuncture group. Electroacupuncture (EA) was given at corresponding acupoints for 20 min in the later 3 groups, followed by ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery and 40 min later, acupuncture was given at the points for another 20 min, reperfusion for 60 min, with ECG monitoring. Then the myocardial tissue sample (below the ligation site) of the left cardiac ventricle was taken for preparation of sarcoplasmic reticulum, and determination of Ca2+-ATPase activity according to quantitative analysis of phosphorum. The relative mRNA levels were determined by Northerm Bolt analysis.


RESULTS
In the acupuncture groups, both the activities of Ca2+-ATPase and the gene expressions increased significantly as compared with the model group (all P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The points of the Pericardium Meridian can obviously improve the Ca2+-ATPase activity and the gene expressions, reduce the degree of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury, and strength myocardial functions.
Tian
Yue-feng
YF
Department of Acupuncture & Massage, Shanxi College of TCM, Taiyuan, China. tyfsx@sohu.com
Wang
Rong
R
Li
Lei-yong
LY
Wang
Jun
J
Jin
Cong-ni
CN
Hao
Chong-yao
CY
D015669:Acupuncture Points; D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D000252:Calcium-Transporting ATPases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000201:enzymology / Q000628:therapy*; D015428:Myocardial Reperfusion Injury / Q000201:enzymology / Q000628:therapy*; D009206:Myocardium / Q000201:enzymology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D000252:Calcium-Transporting ATPases; D002118:Calcium