Objective To observe the changes of gastric motility and levels of substance P(SP)and motilin(MTL)in the gastric antrum and Nucleus Raphe Magnus(NRM)after manual acupuncture stimulation of"Zusanli"(ST 36)in gastric hyperactivity and hypoactivity rats

so as to analyze the role of NRM in acupuncture mediated adjustment of gastric motility.Methods Fifty SD rats were randomly and equally divided into control

gastric hyperactivity(G-Hypera)model

gastric hypoactivity(G-Hypoa)model

acupuncture+ G-Hypera and acupuncture+ G-Hypoa groups(10rats/group).G-Hypera model was established by intravenous(tail vein)injection of Maxolon(0.5mL/200g)and G-Hypoa model established by intravenous injection of Atropin(0.5mL/200g)

respectively.After insertion of acupuncture needles into bilateral"Zusanli"(ST 36)

the needles were repeatedly manipulated at a frequency of about 2Hz for 5min.The intragastric pressure was recorded and analyzed using aphysiological signal analysis system.The SP and MTL contents of gastric antrum were measured by ELISA

and SP and MTL immunoactivity of NRM was determined by immunohistochemistry.Results In gastric hyperactivity rats

compared with the control group

the intragastric pressure(not systolic frequency)

SP and MTL contents in the gastric antrum and MTL immunoactivity of NRM were significantly increased(P<0.05

P<0.01)

while SP immunoactivity of NRM was apparently decreased in the G-Hypera model group(P<0.01).After acupuncture stimulation

the intragastric pressure

gastric SP and MTL contents

and MTL immunoactivity of NRM were all significantly down-regulated(P<0.05

P<0.01)

and SP immunoactivity of NRM was markedly up-regulated(P<0.01)in comparison with the model group.In gastric hypoactivity rats

compared with the control group

the intragastric pressure and gastric systolic frequency

gastric SP and MTL contents

and MTL immunoactivity of NRM were significantly decreased(P<0.05

P<0.01)

while SP immunoactivity of NRM was remarkably up-regulated in the G-Hypoa model group(P<0.01).After acupuncture stimulation

the above-mentioned 6indexes were reversed significantly(P<0.05

P<0.01)in comparison with those of the model group.Conclusion Acupuncture stimulation of"Zusanli"(ST 36)has an obvious bi-directional adjustment effect on gastric motility

which is closely associated with its functions in regulating gastric SP and MTL level and the expression of MTL and SP in the NRM of brainstem.