Abstract:

Objective To explore the effects and mechanism of electroacupuncture on acute hypertension in rats. Methods 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (n=8), model group (n=8), drug group (n=10) and electroacupuncture group (n=10). The acute hypertension rat model was induced with injecting adrenalin into abdomen. Blood pressure was measured and blood adrenalin and noradrenalin levels were tested after electroacupuncture in points Baihui DU-20 and Zusanli ST36. Results The systolic and diastolic pressures were lower in the drug group and the electroacupuncture group than in the model group (P<0.05), and there was no difference between the 2 groups (P>0.05). The adrenalin and noradrenalin levels were higher in the model group than in the control group (P<0.05), but they were lower in the drug group and the electroacupuncture group than in the model group (P<0.05). Conclusion The electroacupuncture could reduce the blood pressure of acute hypertension rats by decreasing blood adrenalin and noradrenalin levels.

Key words: acute hypertension, electroacupuncture, adrenalin, noradrenalin, rats