Autonomic and cytokine mechanisms of acute electroacupuncture in a rodent model of functional dyspepsia

Abstract Background Cytokines have been presumed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia (FD). Electroacupuncture (EA) has been used for FD treatment; however, its mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study aimed to (1) compare the plasma levels of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐10, in “FD” rats with normal control rats; (2) investigate whether EA, using chronically implanted electrodes, could inhibit the release of these cytokines; and (3) explore the correlation of cytokine levels with plasma norepinephrine (NE) levels and gastric emptying (GE). Methods A rodent model of FD was established via neonatal treatment with intragastric iodoacetamide. After 8 weeks, the rats were implanted with electrodes at acupoint ST36 for EA. The plasma levels of cytokines and NE were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We explored the correlations of cytokine levels with NE levels and GE. Key Results (i) “FD” rats demonstrated increased levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 ( p < 0.05 each) compared with the control rats. (ii) EA significantly decreased the plasma levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 in “FD” rats ( p < 0.05 each) compared with sham EA. (iii) The plasma levels of NE were positively correlated with those of IL‐6 ( r = 0.86, p < 0.05) and IL‐1β ( r = 0.81, p < 0.05), whereas NE levels and GE were negatively correlated with IL‐10 levels ( r = −0.870, p < 0.05 and r = −0.791, p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions EA inhibits the release of proinflammatory cytokines probably via the suppression of sympathetic activity in “FD” rats.