title: Needleless transcutaneous electroacupuncture improves rectal distension-induced impairment in intestinal motility and slow waves via vagal mechanisms in dogs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to compare the effects and mechanisms of transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA) on rectal distention (RD)-induced intestinal dysmotility with EA.
  
  
  METHODS
  six female dogs chronically implanted with a duodenal fistula, a proximal colon fistula and intestinal serosal electrodes were studied. EA and TEA were performed via needles and cutaneous electrodes placed at bilateral ST-36 (Zusanli) acupoints respectively; their effects on postprandial intestinal dysmotility (slow waves, contractions and transit) induced by RD, and autonomic functions were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  RD at a volume of 140 ml suppressed intestinal contractions; the motility index was reduced with RD (P = 0.001). Both EA and TEA ameliorated the suppressed contractions (P = 0.003 and 0.001) and their effects were comparable. RD reduced the percentage of normal intestinal slow waves (P = 0.002) that was increased with both EA and TEA (P = 0.005 and 0.035). No significant difference was noted between EA and TEA. EA and TEA reduced small bowel transit time (P = 0.001 and 0.007); these prokinetic effects were blocked by atropine. Both EA and TEA increased vagal activity assessed by the spectral analysis of heart rate variability (both P = 0.03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RD inhibits postprandial intestinal motility. Both EA and TEA at ST-36 are able to improve the RD-induced impairment in intestinal contractions, transit and slow waves mediated via the vagal mechanism. Needleless TEA is as effective as EA in ameliorating the intestinal hypomotility.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Texas ; Department of Gastroenterology, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, Hubei, China.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Song
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Texas.
authors.forename: Jieyun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yin
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Texas ; Ningbo Pace Translational Medical Research Center Beilun, Ningbo, China.
authors.forename: Jiande
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
keywords: Heart rate variability; intestinal motility; intestinal slow waves; rectal distension; transcutaneous electroacupuncture