[The effects of the plasma levels of serotonin and neuropeptide on ventilated patients with Yitongshu acupuncture points injection].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the change in the plasma levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) and neuropeptide (beta-endorphin, beta-EP) after injection of Yitongshu into Zusanli points in patients under mechanical ventilation.


METHODS
Twenty-eight patients undergoing mechanical ventilation were randomly divided into two groups: midazolam combined with fentanyl group (control group, n=14) and midazolam combined with fentanyl and Yitongshu group (Yitongshu group, n=14). The drugs were given to the patients continuously intravenously with an injection pump in an even rate, with the dosage adjusted to reach the sedative target of visual analog score (VAS)< or =3-4 and Ramsay 2-4. Yitongshu injection (4 ml) was injected into the Zusanli point on both sides 11 hours or 23 hours after administration of the durgs in Yitongshu group. The hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, including mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), oxygenation index (PaO(2)/FiO(2)) and pressure airway (Paw), were recorded, and the sedation levels (VAS and Ramsay) were evaluated before sedation and 1, 12, 24 hours after sedation in these patients. The plasma levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine and beta-EP were examined before sedation, 12 hours and 24 hours after sedation.


RESULTS
Compared with that before sedation, HR and VAS score were significantly lower, and Ramsay score was significantly higher in both groups. MAP was significantly lower at 1 hour, and RR at 12 hours and 24 hours , as well as the Paw at 24 hours, and the PaO(2)/FiO(2) was significantly higher at 24 hours. The level of 5-hydroxytryptamine at 12 hours and 24 hours in Yitongshu group [(101.45+/-14.67) ng/L, (104.86+/-11.74) ng/L] was significantly higher than that in control group [(61.57+/-10.62) ng/L, (59.86+/-8.64) ng/L, both P<0.05]. But the level of beta-EP showed no difference between two groups [control group: (162.72+/-38.44) ng/L at 12 hours, (151.83+/-24.54) ng/L at 24 hours; Yitongshu group: (169.35+/-28.10) ng/L at 12 hours, (159.41+/-15.89) ng/L at 24 hours, both P>0.05].


CONCLUSIONS
Yitongshu injection can reduce the plasma level of 5-hydroxytryptamine in ventilated patients, but with no effect on beta-EP.
Intensive Care Unit, Red Cross Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220, Guangdong, China.
Hai-yan
HY
Yin
Zhi-shun
ZS
Feng
Zhe-tong
ZT
Deng
Min
M
Zhang
Xiao-ling
XL
Ye
Jin-lan
JL
Jin
Rui
R
Zhang
Ying-yi
YY
Jiang
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood*; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D012701:Serotonin; D001615:beta-Endorphin