J Mol Neurosci. 2013 Jan;49(1):28-37. doi: 10.1007/s12031-012-9843-0. Epub 2012 Jun 29.

Effects of Zusanli electroacupuncture on somatostatin expression

in the rat brainstem.
Tian Q1, Wang L, Yao L, Zhang L, Zhang H.

Author information

Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23

1

Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at the Zusanli
(ST36) acupoint on somatostatin mRNA expression in the rat brainstem. A total of 96 Sprague-
Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a control (n=24), restraint (n = 24), pseudopoint-EA (n =
24), or Zusanli-EA (n=24) group. The rats received stimulation for 30 min at 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after
stimulation. Brainstem samples (n=6 for each group at each time point) were collected, and
somatostatin expression was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction,
northern blot, and immunohistochemical staining. Somatostatin mRNA expression was inhibited at
2 h after EA stimulation, but an increase was seen at 6 and 8 h in the Zusanli-EA group compared
to the three control groups. With respect to immunohistochemical staining, the number of
somatostatin-positive cells in the brainstem was increased in the Zusanli-EA group at 6 and 8 h
after stimulation compared to the 2- and 4-h time point. These results indicate that Zusanli-EA
increased somatostatin mRNA and protein expression in the brainstem. Somatostatin may therefore
be involved in some of the analgesic effects of Zusanli-EA.