Use of electroacupuncture at ST36 to inhibit anaphylactic and inflammatory reaction in mice

Neuroimmunomodulation. 2007;14(1):24-31. doi: 10.1159/000107285. Epub 2007 Aug 15.

Abstract

Objective: Electroacupuncture (EA) has been used to treat myalgia, allergy and gastroenteropathy in Korea. To determine whether EA can treat anaphylactic and inflammatory reactions, the effect of EA was investigated in a murine model.

Methods: EA stimulation of the ST36 acupoint was performed for 10 min. Using a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) model, the antianaphylactic effects of EA were examined. Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were measured using the ELISA method. The level of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB/RelA protein and NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity was determined using the Western blot analysis and the transcription factor enzyme-linked immunoassay method.

Results: EA inhibits PCA and beta-hexosaminidase release, IL-6 secretion on the PCA, and in addition, EA reduces NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity.

Conclusion: These results indicate that EA may possess antianaphylactic and antiinflammatory properties.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Points
  • Anaphylaxis / prevention & control*
  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Electroacupuncture*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Inflammation / prevention & control*
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis
  • Transcription Factor RelA / metabolism
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism
  • beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukin-6
  • NF-kappa B
  • Rela protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factor RelA
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases