Inhibition of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations by electrical acupoint stimulation.

Abstract

Acupuncture has been shown to modulate visceral sensation and function. Traditionally, stimulation at the Neiguan (pericardial meridian) has been used to treat upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Some of the effects of acupuncture may be mediated through release of endogenous opioids and are reversed by naloxone. Gastric distension is the major trigger for transient lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxations (TLESRs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of electric stimulation at the Neiguan and naloxone on the TLESRs. In 14 healthy volunteers, electrical acupoint stimulation was applied at the Neiguan and a sham point on the hip in randomized order on the same day. In 12 healthy volunteers, the effects of naloxone (80 microg/kg iv bolus injection) and saline on electrical acupoint stimulation were compared on separate days at least 1 wk apart. Esophageal motility was measured during distension of the proximal stomach with 500 ml of air using a barostat balloon. Electric acupoint stimulation at the Neiguan decreased the rate of TLESRs by approximately 40% from a median of 6/h to 3.5/h (P < 0.02). Acupoint stimulation had no effect on basal LES pressure, the residual LES pressure during TLESRs, the duration of TLESRs, or gastrointestinal symptoms of fullness, bloating, discomfort, or nausea. The effect of acupoint stimulation was not inhibited by naloxone. Electric acupoint stimulation at the Neiguan significantly inhibits the frequency of TLESRs in response to gastric distention in healthy subjects. This effect does not appear to be mediated through mu-opioid receptors.

• Authors: Duowu Zou, Wei Hao Chen, Katsuhiko Iwakiri, Rachael Rigda, Marcus Tippett, Richard H Holloway
• Journal: American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology (Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol) Vol. 289 Issue 2 Pg. G197-201 (Aug 2005) ISSN: 0193-1857 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15831714 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Narcotic Antagonists
• Naloxone

Topics

• Acupuncture Points
• Adult
• Electroacupuncture (methods)
• Esophageal Sphincter, Lower (physiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Manometry
• Middle Aged
• Muscle Relaxation
• Naloxone (administration & dosage)
• Narcotic Antagonists (administration & dosage)
• Peristalsis
• Pressure
• Sensation (drug effects)