Regulatory Effects Of Acupuncture On SCF/C-KIT Signal Pathway And Explanation Of Therapeutic Mechanism Of Slow Transit Constipation

Objective:The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of acupuncture on the regulation of SCF/c-kit signal channel and explore the possible therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture for slow transit constipation.Methods:18BALB/c mice were divided into control group (n=6), model group (6). electroacupuncture(EA) group(6). Model group and the acupuncture group born within24hours were given the intraperitoneal injection of c-kit antibody (ACK2), for10days, and control group were injected with physiological saline of the same dose. The EA group were treated with EA bilateral Tianshu Point for10days after injection. After the intervention, colon EMG, the number of interstitial cells of Cajal, expression of c-kit protein, and the expression of c-kil mRNA and SCF mRNA were investigated by the physiological signal acquisition system, and immunohistochemical methods, real-time PCR method.Result:(1) The colon EMG results: EA group’s wave was close to a sine-like curve, frequency and amplitude was more regular than model group. The difference of frequency between the two groups had statistical meaning(P<0.01), but the amplitude was not(P=0.052);(2) Immunohistochemistry results:in the EA group, the ICC can be seen network-like structure and cytoplasm coloring relatively deep darker. The c-kit-positive cell count, mean gray, and average optical density compared with model group were significant(P<0.05);(3) mRNA expression results: the gene expression of EA group and model group were down, but in the EA group, the expression showed increasing trend compared with the model group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01).Conclusions:(1) EA Tianshu Point can improve slow wave rhythm, and acupuncture may ameliorate colonic transit activity from this point;(2) EA Tianshu Point can increase the number of colonic ICC of the ACK2-treated mice, hinting the phenotypic reversion of ICC in a certain degree. This may be the mechanism of acupuncture for regulating the slow wave and improving the function of colonic smooth muscle;(3) EA Tianshu Point raised the colon c-kit, SCF gene expression, indicating that acupuncture may regulate the signaling pathway from the genetic level;(4) From the above three conclusions, acupuncture may reverse of the ICC phenotype from SCF/c-kit signaling pathway and this may be possible therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture for slow transit constipation.