Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 1994 ; 19(2): 42-6.

[Regulative effects of electroacupuncture on gastric hyperfunction induced by electrostimulation of the lateral hypothalamus area of rabbits]

Ma C, Liu Z.

Institute of Acupuncture, Nanjing College of TCM.

This paper reported our observation of the action of acupuncture on the change of gastric function induced by the excitation of the lateral hypothalamus area (LHA, the feeding center), and research on the mechanism of the acupuncture to inhibiting excessive appetite and reducing hunger in obese people. Electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) or Neiting (ST 44) could inhibit the hyperactivity of the stomach induced by stimulation of LHA (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The electroacupuncture effect on LHA remained statistically significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) 0.5-2.5 hours after acupuncturing. The alpha-receptor blocking agent phentolamine (1mg/kg) was not distinctly affected (P > 0.05) on the inhibition of electroacupuncturing Zusanli (ST 36) to restrain the hyperactivity of the stomach induced by stimulation on LHA; But beta-receptor blocking agent propranolol (0.3mg/kg) could obviously inhibit the effect of electroacupuncturing Zusanli (ST 36) to restrain hyperactivity of stomach triggered by excitation of the LHA. The result shows that electroacupuncture obviously inhibits gastric hyperfunction caused by excitation of the LHA, for as long as over 3 hours, thus indicating the participation of the humoral factors. Since the electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) only inhibits gastric hyperfunction caused by excitation of the LHA, it is suggested that the electroacupuncture has an anticholinergic effect through the gastric beta receptor, therefore it inhibits the appetite, relieves hunger and reduces body weight in obese people.