而P物质表达的增高可能在调节机体许多生理功能中起重要作用Objective: To study the influence of different intensity of electroacupuncture (EA) on substance P(SP) expression in rat brain. Methods: Nine SD rats were randomly divided into control group
high intensity EA group and low intensity EA group. "Zusnali" (ST 36) was punctured with filiform needles and stimulated electrically by setting the stimulating strength being 1 mA (low intensity) and 5 mA (high intensity)
wave width 0.1 ms
frequency 50 Hz and duration of 30 min. SP expression was displayed with immunohistochemical method. Results: Twenty four hours following EA stimulation
SP expression positive cells were found in caudate putamen
hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus
anterior hypothalamic area
amygdaloid nucleus and periaqueduct grey matter. SP expression positive cells in these nuclei or area in two EA groups were significantly more than those of control group (P<0.05)
while those of low intensity EA group were evidently more than those of high intensity EA group (P<0.05). Conclusion:EA can induce up regulation of SP expression in the aforementioned brain regions and the resultant enhancement of SP expression may play an important role in regulating a variety of physiological functions in the body.