Changes in the Interstitial Cells of Cajal and Immunity in Chronic Psychological Stress Rats and Therapeutic Effects of Acupuncture at the Zusanli Point (ST36)

Abstract

Now, chronic psychological stress (CPS) related diseases are increasing. Many CPS patients have gastrointestinal complaints, immune suppression, and immune imbalance. Increasing evidence is indicating that acupuncture (AP) at the Zusanli point (ST36) can alleviate functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), immune suppression, and immune imbalance. However, few studies have investigated the potential mechanisms. In this study, CPS rat models were established, and electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 was done for CPS rats. Daily food intake, weight, intestinal sensitivity, the morphology of interstitial cell of Cajal (ICC) in the small intestine, and serum indexes were measured. The study found that, in CPS rats, EA at ST36 could improve food intake, weight, visceral hypersensitivity, and immunity; in CPS rats, in small intestine, the morphology of ICCs was abnormal and the number was decreased, which may be part causes of gastrointestinal motility dysfunction. EA at ST36 showed useful therapeutic effects. The mechanisms may be partially related to its repairing effects on ICCs damages; in CPS rats, there were immune suppression and immune imbalance, which may be part causes of visceral hypersensitivity. EA at ST36 showed useful therapeutic effects. The mechanisms may be partially related to its regulation on immunity.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Acupuncture at ST36 Point: A Literature Review in Animal Studies

“…In this study, the regulation effect on immune responses of EA at ST36 is related to visceral hypersensitivity. EA regulated the immunity by improving visceral hypersensitivity via signaling cascades in the neuroendocrine system ( 49 ).…”

Effect of acupuncture on postoperative ileus after laparoscopic elective colorectal surgery: A prospective, randomised, controlled trial

“…Although the underlying therapeutic mechanism has not been fully elucidated, EA has been shown to protect interstitial cells of Cajal and regulate immunity, 29 , 30 and regulate secretion of hormones related to small intestinal and colonic motility. 31 Since the intestinal muscle inflammation resulting from perioperative bowel handling is accepted widely to play an important role in the pathogenesis of POI, extensive research focused on the anti-inflammatory mechanism of acupuncture, and proposed a relationship between the vagus nerve and an inhibitory feedback mechanism of the innate immune system.…”

Effect of Electroacupuncture in Mice with Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Colitis and the Influence of Gut Microbiota

“…In high-fat-diet-induced obese mice, EA ST36 could inhibit food intake and reduce body weight Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine [23]. However, in chronic psychological stress (CPS) rats [24] or rodent model of cisplatin-induced dyspepsia [25], EA ST36 could improve food intake and weight. It seems that ST36 makes modulation of diet intake, whether by sympathetic nerve activation or vagal stimulation, and can achieve the purpose of attenuating the inflammatory response.…”