[Effect of electroacupuncture of "Hegu" (LI 4)-"Taichong" (LR 3) on colonic nitric oxide synthase and glutathione peroxidase activity and nitric oxide content in depression rats].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the content of nitric oxide (NO) in colon tissue of depression rats, so as to reveal its mechanism in protecting colonic tissue under depression.


METHODS
Forty male SD rats were equally randomized into normal, model, medication and EA groups. Depression model was established by using chronic unpredictable mild stress stimulation (forced ice-water swimming, electric shock, tail-clamping, etc) combined with lonely raising for 21 days. At the same time of modeling, Fluoxetine (1.8 mg/kg, intragastric perfusion) was given to the rats of medication group, once daily for 21 days. EA (1.5-2 Hz, 1-3 mA) was applied to bilateral "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Taichong" (LR 3) for 20 min, once daily for 21 days. The activity of iNOS, GSH-Px and the content of NO in colon tissue were detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometer method.


RESULTS
In comparison with normal control group, iNOS activity and NO content in colon tissue increased significantly (P<0.05), and GSH-Px activity decreased considerably (P<0.05) in model group. Whereas compared with model group, iNOS activity and NO content decreased significantly (P<0.05), and GSH-Px activity increased significantly in EA and medication groups. No significant differences were found between EA group and medication group in these 3 indexes (P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
EA of "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Taichong" (LR 3) can reduce stress induced increase of both iNOS activity and NO content, and decrease of GSH-Px activity in colon tissue in depression rats, which may contribute to its effect in protecting the digestive tract from injury under depression.
Huang
Xue-Kuan
XK
College of Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401331, China. xkhuang2002@yahoo.com.cn
Zhuo
Lian-Shi
LS
Ren
Ling-Yan
LY
Liu
Qun-Ying
QY
Zhu
Yi
Y
D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000818:Animals; D003106:Colon / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D015671:Electroacupuncture; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000378:metabolism*; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase