Effect of Acupuncture at Shangjuxu(ST 37)on Number of Colonic Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Mice with Slow Transit Constipation

Objective To investigate the mechanism of acupuncture at Shangjuxu(ST 37)in the treatment of slow transit constipation(STC).Methods Forty mice were divided into normal group(n=10),model group(n=10),ST 37group(n=10),and non-acupuncture point group(n=10).All rats except those in normal group received compound diphenoxylate by gavage to induce a mouse model of STC.The ST 37group received acupuncture at bilateral ST 37,while the non-acupuncture point group received acupuncture at two non-acupuncture points on the hip.The time to first defecation and number of feces granules within12h were determined.The number of colonic interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC)was determined by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group had significantly prolonged time to first defecation(P0.01)and significantly reduced number of feces granules within 12h and number of colonic ICC(P0.01).Compared with the model group,the ST 37 group had significantly shortened time to first defecation(P0.01)and significantly increased number of feces granules within 12h and number of colonic ICC(P0.01).Conclusion Acupuncture at ST 37 has significant efficacy in the treatment of STC,possibly by increasing the number of colonic ICC.