Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)of"Zhongwan"(CV12)and"Zusanli"(ST36)in different combinations of stimulating parameters on intragastric pressure(IGP)in normal rats so as to explore their best combinations for promoting gastrointestinal mobility.Methods A total of 90 male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 EA groups:CV12-1 mA+ST36-1 mA

CV12-1 mA+ST36-2 mA

CV12-1 mA+ST36-4 mA

ST36-1 mA+CV12-1 mA

ST36-2 mA+CV12-1 mA

and ST36-4 mA+CV12-1 mA which the first acupoint was stimulated first

followed by the second in each group(n=15 rats/group).Before(1 min)

and 0—30 s

30—60 s

60—90 s

and 90—120 sduring EA stimulation of the left ST36 or CV12 first or later

the IGP was measured via an inserted intragastric balloon

a connected pressure transducer and an amplifier.Changes of the IGP were analyzed using 2×3×4 factorial design.Results 1)During 0—30 s

EA-CV12 showed an obvious inhibitory effect on IGP(P<0.05)while EA-ST36 showed a mild exciting effect(P>0.05).2)Compared with the IGP level of 0—30 s

the IGP levels of 30—120 swere significantly decreased in all the groups(P<0.01).3)In the CV12-1 mA/ST 36-1 mA groups

only the IGP level of 0—30 swas affected by the EA-stimulating order(P<0.05).In the CV12-1 mA/ST36-2 mA groups

both the IGP levels during 0—30 sand 90—120 swere obviously affected by EA-stimulating sequence.In the CV12-1 mA/ST36-4 mA groups

the IGP level during 0—120 swas affected by EA-stimulating order.4)Only in the condition of EA-CV12 stimulating first and EAST36 second and at 4 mA

the reduction effect of IGP of EA-CV12 was antagonized.There are marked interaction effects between the EA strength and acupoint EA stimulating sequence

and between the time course and acupoint EA stimulating sequence(P<0.01)

but no significant interaction effects were found between the time course and stimulating strength

and among the EA stimulating strength

time course and acupoint EA stimulating sequence(P>0.05).Conclusion Simultaneous EA stimulation of ST36 and CV12 has an antagonistic effect on IGP in normal rats

which is affected by the stimulating sequence

stimulating strength and time course.