Effects Of Electro-acupuncture Stimulation At "Neiguan" And "Taichong" Acupoints On Inflammatory Cytokines And Heart Function In Chronic Heart Failure Model In Rats

Objective:To investigate the roles of "neiguan" and "taichong" acupoints in chronic heart failure model in rats, the present study were performed to demonstrate the changes of expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and BNP in serum and the LVEF after Electroacupuncture stimulate the "neiguan" and "taichong" acpoints.Methods:A total of 32 clean SD rats selected were randomly divided into 3 groups:24 rats within the model group (group M) and the electro-acupuncture group (group EA) as well as 8 rats within the normal group (group N). The rats in the group M and the group EA were modeled of cardiac failure with the method of the abdominal aortic coarctation. The rats in the group N were opened to free the abdominal aorta without coarctation. Later, the rats in the group EA were received electro-acupuncture stimulation at the points of "Neiguan" and ’Taichong" for 10 days continuously, once a day with 30 minutes. After ten days the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured by echocardiography. And the pathological changes of cardiac muscle tissue were observed by HE staining. Meanwhile, the content of TNF-α、IL-6、IL-10 in the serum and the content of BNP in the plasma were detected by the Euzymelinked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).Results:In the presented study, levels of BNP was increased and LVEF was decreased in group M comparing with group N(P<0.01). The expression of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-10 in group M were remarkably up-regulated verus group N(P<0.01). Comparing with group M, the LVEF was increased and expression of BNP was decreased in group EA(P<0.01). Comparing with group M, the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were reduced (P<0.05) and IL-10 was raised in group EA (P<0.05).Conclusion:The treatment of electro-acupuncture for the rats with cardiac failure has a certain effect to improve the ventricular pumping function, inhibit the up-regulated expressions of serum inflammatory cytokine TNF-a and IL-6 and promote the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In addition, the positive effects of electro-acupuncture stimulation in the protection of cardiac muscle tissue are certified. And the protection effect for the cardiac function in rats with cardiac failure may achieved by regulating the expressions of inflammatory cytokines.