Influence of electroacupuncture in Zusanli(ST36) on number and network of interstitial cells Cajal of small intestine in rats with partial intestinal obstruction

Objective To observe the influence of electroacupuncture in Zusanli(ST36) on number and network of interstitial cells Cajal(ICCs) of small intestine in rats with partial intestinal obstruction,and lay a foundation for further study on the influence of electroacupuncture in ST36 on phenotypic variation of ICCs.Methods The rat model of partial intestinal obstruction was established by using terminal ileum ringer method.All rats were randomly divided into normal group,sham-operation group,non-electroacupuncture group(non-EA group),electroacupuncture in Zusanli(ST36) group(ST36 group) and electroacupuncture in Yinlingquan(GB34) group(GB34 group).After success modeling,ST36 group and GB34 group were given electroacupuncture intervention for 7 days.The changes of number and distribution of ICCs in colon were observed in all groups by applying the technique of frozen sections and whole-mount preparation of immunocytochemical staining.Results The comparison between non-EA group and normal group or sham-operation group showed a discontinuous distribution of ICCs,damaged cellular networks and reduced number(P0.05).The comparison between ST36 group and non-EA group showed a continuous distribution of ICCs,recovered cellular network and significantly increased number(P0.05).The comparison between GB34 group and non-EA group showed no significant changes(P0.05).Conclusion The method of terminal ileum ringer can by used for establishing effectively rat model of partial intestinal obstruction.Electroacupuncture in ST36 can stimulate to some extent the regeneration of ICCs to recover to normal cellular network structure,and improve the recovery of ileum function.