[Effect of electroacupuncture on serum proinflammatory cytokine levels and pancreatic nuclear factor kappa-b expression in acute pancreatitis rats].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Zusanli" (ST 36) on serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 contents and pancreatic nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kappaB) expression in acute pancreatitis rats.

METHODS

Sixty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation (sham), model and EA groups (n=22). Acute pancreatitis model was established by intra-pancreatic duct injection of 3.5% sodium taurocholate (0.1 mL/100 g). EA (2 Hz /100 Hz, 2 mA) was applied to bilateral ST 36 for 30 min after modeling and at the end of the experiment. The animals were killed at 3 h (n=7), 6 h (n=7) and 12 h (n=8) after modeling. The expression of pancreatic NF-,cB P65 was detected by immunohistochemical staining, and serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 contentswere determined by ELISA. The pathological changes of pancreatic tissue were displayed by H. E. staining and the quantity of ascite was measured by electronic balance.

RESULTS

The pathologic score, ascite quantity, serum TNFalpha and IL-6 contents, and pancreatic NF-kappaB P 65 expression levels at 3 h, 6 h and 12 h after modeling were significantly higher in the model group than in the sham group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the pathologic score, ascite quantity, serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 contents, and pancreatic NF-kappaB P 65 expression levels at 3 h, 6 h and 12 h were significantly decreased in the EA group (P < 0.05). Microscopic observation displayed that the necrosis of the pancreatic acinar cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells were lighter in the EA group than in the model group.

CONCLUSION

EA at ST 36 is able to down-regulate sodium taurocholate injection incduced increase of serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 contents, and pancreatic NF-kappaB P65 expression level in acute pancreatitis rats, which may contribute to its effect in relieving necrosis of the pancreatic acinar cells and infiltration of pancreatic inflammatory cells.