Electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) Repairs Interstitial Cells of Cajal and Upregulates c-Kit Expression in Rats with SCI-Induced Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction

Yujie Yang, Jie Cheng, Yongni Zhang, Jiabao Guo, Bin Xie, Wenyi Zhang, Zhaojin Zhu, Yi Zhu*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)
56 Downloads (CityUHK Scholars)

Abstract

Background. Electroacupuncture (EA) could improve colonic transit activity in rats with neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) caused by spinal cord injury (SCI). The function of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and c-Kit expression may play essential roles in this process. Material and Methods. Thirty-six Sprague Dawley rats were randomized to the sham group, the SCI group, or the SCI + EA group (bilateral Zusanli, 30 min/day, 14 days). Changes in the ultrastructural morphology of ICCs were observed. The c-Kit expression on different levels was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR, respectively. Results. Abnormal morphology of ICCs and downregulation of the c-Kit expression occurred after SCI. While the number of ICCs was increased, the ultrastructural morphology was improved significantly in EA rats. They also showed better improvement in c-Kit expression at both protein and gene levels. Conclusion. Abnormal ICCs in colon tissues and the downregulated expression of c-Kit could be observed after SCI. EA at Zusanli (ST36) could improve the colon function by repairing the morphology and increasing the number of ICCs and upregulating c-Kit expression.
Original languageEnglish
Article number8896123
JournalEvidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Volume2020
Online published27 Nov 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Research Keywords

  • SPINAL-CORD-INJURY
  • ENTERIC NERVOUS-SYSTEM
  • HEART-RATE-VARIABILITY
  • HIGH-FREQUENCY
  • SLOW WAVES
  • CONSTIPATION
  • MANAGEMENT
  • TRANSIT
  • COLON
  • NEUROTRANSMISSION

Publisher's Copyright Statement

  • This full text is made available under CC-BY 4.0. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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