The therapeutic effects of electro-acupuncture on irritable bowel syndrome in rats

Objective To find out the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on chronic visceral hyperalgesia in irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) model of the rat,and provide scientific reference for acupuncture treatment clinically.Methods IBS model was developed in the rat from neonatal age.Behavioral test of abdominal withdraw reflex(AWR) and electrophysiological recording of abdominal rectus abdominis electromyogram(AEMG) were employed in order to find out the immediate and cumulative effects of acupuncture on chronic visceral hyperalgesia.Results The AWR score and discharge of AEMG were significantly increased in IBS model rats.Single electro-acupuncture(EA) treatment significantly decreased AWR score and evoked AEMG while repetitive EA treatments played cumulative roles in decreasing AWR score and evoked AEMG.Conclusion EA can relieve IBS induced chronic visceral hyperalgesia and its effect is parallel to the times of EA applied.