Geng-Qing Song

Electroacupuncture improves impaired gastric motility and slow waves induced by rectal distension in dogs

Rectal distension (RD) is known to induce upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of RD on gastric slow waves (GSW) and motor activity and furthermore to investigate the effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) on GSW and motor activity. Eight female hound dogs chronically implanted with gastric serosal electrodes and a gastric fistula were studied in six separate sessions. Antral motility, GSW, heart rate variability, and rectal pressure were evaluated for the above purposes. 1) RD at a volume of 120 ml suppressed antral motility significantly. Guanethidine blocked the inhibitory effect of RD. EA at ST36 was able to restore the suppressed antral contractions induced by RD (16.6+/-1.7 vs. 8.0+/-1.4, P<0.001). Naloxone partially blocked the effect of EA on antral contractions. 2) RD reduced the percentage of normal GSW from 98.8+/-0.8% at baseline to 76.1+/-8.6% (P<0.05) that was increased to 91.8+/-3.0% with EA. The effects of EA on the GSW were nullified by the presence of naloxone. 3) EA did not show any significant effect on rectal pressure, suggesting that the ameliorating effects of EA on RD-induced impaired gastric motility were not due to a decrease in rectal pressure. 4) EA increased the vagal activity suppressed by RD. In conclusion, RD inhibits postprandial gastric motility and impairs GSW in dogs, and the inhibitory effects are mediated via the adrenergic pathways. EA at ST36 is able to restore the RD-induced impaired GSW and motor activities, possibly by enhancing vagal activity, and is partially mediated via the opioid pathway. EA may have therapeutic potential for functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Two-Channel Gastric Electrical Stimulation Accelerates Delayed Gastric Emptying Induced by Vasopressin

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two-channel gastric electrical stimulation (GES) on delayed gastric emptying, gastric dysrhythmias, and motion sickness-like symptoms induced by vasopressin. Seven dogs implanted with four pairs of gastric electrodes and a duodenal cannula were studied in four randomized sessions (saline, vasopressin, single-channel GES, and two-channel GES). The experiment in each session was conducted sequentially as follows: 30-min baseline, ingestion of a liquid meal, 30-min iv infusion of vasopressin or saline, and two 30-min postprandial recordings. In the GES sessions, GES was applied via the first pair of electrodes for single-channel GES or the first and third pairs of electrodes for two-channel GES. Gastric emptying was collected every 15 min via the cannula for a period of 90 min. Results were as follows. (1) Vasopressin induced gastric dysrhythmias, motion sickness-like symptoms, and delayed gastric emptying (P < 0.01, ANOVA). (2) GES normalized gastric dysrhythmias (P < 0.01) but showed no effects on vasopressin-induced emetic response. (3) Two-channel GES improved delayed gastric emptying induced by vasopressin. In comparison with the vasopressin session, two-channel GES, but not single-channel GES, significantly increased gastric emptying at 30 min (43.9 ± 12.6 vs. 27.5 ± 7.7%; P < 0.03), 60 min (75.3 ± 15.1 vs. 54.0 ± 17.8%; P < 0.05), and 90 min (91.6 ± 9.8 vs. 80.3 ± 9.0%; P < 0.05). GES with long pulses is able to normalize gastric dysrhythmias. Two-channel GES improves delayed gastric emptying induced by vasopressin.

Gastric Electrical Stimulation Using Endoscopically Placed Mucosal Electrodes Reduces Food Intake in Humans

BACKGROUND:Implantable gastric stimulation (IGS) has been proposed for treating obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of temporary mucosal electrical stimulation on water and food intake as well as gastric emptying in healthy humans.METHODS:The study was designed to study the effects of temporary gastric electrical stimulation (GES) on symptoms, gastric accommodation, food intake, and gastric emptying. It was performed in 12 healthy volunteers on 3 consecutive days. GES was performed using mucosal electrodes endoscopically placed in the fundus.RESULTS:The amount of maximum water intake was reduced with GES (894 ± 326 mL) compared with sham-GES (1,093 ± 417 mL, p= 0.01). The food intake was also reduced with GES (p= 0.012). In comparison with sham stimulation, GES delayed gastric emptying during the first 45 min after the meal but not during the remaining time. GES with parameters effective in reducing water and food intake and delaying gastric emptying did not induce significant dyspeptic symptoms, compared with sham stimulation.CONCLUSIONS:GES using temporary mucosal electrodes decreases food intake as well as maximum intake of water, and has a tendency of delaying gastric emptying. It may have a potential application for the treatment of obesity.

Efficacy and efficiency of gastric electrical stimulation with short pulses in the treatment of vasopressin‐induced emetic responses in dogs

Abstract  The aim of this study was to determine the most effective and efficient anti‐emetic parameters of short‐pulse gastric electrical stimulation (GES) in dogs. Seven female beagle dogs implanted with four pairs of gastric electrodes were studied in eight randomized sessions (saline, vasopressin, and six GES sessions with different parameters). Each session consisted of four 20‐min recordings of gastric slow waves and symptoms. In sessions 1 and 2, saline and vasopressin, respectively, were infused during the second 20‐min period. The protocol of the other six sessions was the same as session 2 except that GES was continuously applied. It was found that: (1) vasopressin induced gastric dysrhythmia and emetic response (P < 0.01, anova); (2) short‐pulse GES with a frequency of 14 or 40 Hz and pulse width of 0.1 or 0.3 ms, but not 0.6 ms was able to reduce symptoms induced by vasopressin; (3) short‐pulse GES with a pulse width of 0.3 ms was the most effective in preventing vasopressin‐induced symptoms; (4) none of the tested GES methods improved vasopressin‐induced gastric dysrhythmia. We conclude that vasopressin induces gastric dysrhythmia and symptoms. Short‐pulse GES with a pulse width of 0.3 ms and frequency of 14 Hz is most effective and efficient in preventing vasopressin‐induced emetic responses in dogs.

Inhibitory effects and mechanisms of intestinal electrical stimulation on gastric tone, antral contractions, pyloric tone, and gastric emptying in dogs

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of intestinal electrical stimulation (IES) on gastric tone, antral and pyloric contractions, and gastric emptying in dogs. Female hound dogs were equipped with a duodenal or gastric cannula, and one pair of serosal electrodes was implanted in the small intestine. The study consisted of five different experiments. Liquid gastric emptying was assessed by collection of chyme from the duodenal cannula in a number of sessions with and without IES and with and without N-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA). Postprandial antral and pyloric contractions were measured with and without IES and in the absence and presence of l-NNA or phentolamine by placement of a manometric catheter into the antrum and pylorus via the duodenal cannula. Gastric tone was assessed by measurement of gastric volume at a constant pressure. Gastric emptying was substantially and significantly delayed by IES or l-NNA compared with the control session. IES-induced delay of gastric emptying became normal with addition of l-NNA. IES reduced gastric tone, which was blocked by l-NNA. IES also inhibited antral contractions (frequency and amplitude), and this inhibitory effect was not blocked by l-NNA but was blocked by phentolamine. IES alone did not affect pyloric tone or resistance, but IES + l-NNA decreased pyloric tone. In conclusion, IES reduces gastric tone via the nitrergic pathway, inhibits antral contractions via the adrenergic pathway, does not affect pyloric tone, and delays liquid gastric emptying. IES-induced delay of gastric emptying is attributed to its inhibitory effects on gastric motility.

Ameliorating effects and autonomic mechanisms of needle-less transcutaneous electrical stimulation at ST36 on stress-induced impairment in gastric slow waves

Stress has long been documented to alter gastrointestinal motility. The effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on stress and gastric motility are relatively well known; however, whether EA has an ameliorating effect on stress‐induced dysmotility remained unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of needle‐less transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA) on stress‐induced impairment in gastric slow waves.

Effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture on glucagon-induced small intestinal hypomotility in dogs

Background  Little is known on the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) (Br Med J, 2, 1976, 1225) on intestinal motility. The aim of this study was to investigate effects and mechanisms of EA on small intestinal contractions, transit, and slow waves in dogs.

Effects and mechanisms of gastric electrical stimulation on visceral pain in a rodent model of gastric hyperalgesia secondary to chemically induced mucosal ulceration.

Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has been suggested as a potential treatment for patients with gastric motility disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the effects and mechanisms of GES on visceral pain in awaken rats.

Desvenlafaxine succinate ameliorates visceral hypersensitivity but delays solid gastric emptying in rats

Desvenlafaxine succinate (DVS) is a novel serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DVS on visceral hypersensitivity and solid gastric emptying in a rodent model of gastric hyperalgesia. Twenty-eight gastric hyperalgesia rats and 20 control rats were used. Visceral sensitivity during gastric distention (GD) was assessed by recording of electromyogram (EMG) at pressures of 20, 40, 60, and 80 mmHg. DVS with doses of 1, 10, and 30 mg/kg were administrated by gavage, 5-HT1A antagonist (WAY-100635, 0.3 mg/kg) was given subcutaneously, and 5-HT2A antagonist (ketanserin, 1 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally. The level of norepinephrine in plasma was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that 1) visceral hypersensitivity induced by acetic acid was validated. 2) DVS dose-dependently reduced visceral hypersensitivity in the gastric hypersensitivity rats. The EMG (% of baseline value without GD) during GD at 60 and 80 mmHg with DVS at a dose of 30 mg/kg were 119.4 ± 2.3% (vs. saline 150.9 ± 2.7%, P < 0.001) and 128.2 ± 3.2% (vs. saline 171.1 ± 2.4%, P < 0.001). Similar findings were observed at a dose of 10 mg/kg. DVS at a dose of 1 mg/kg reduced visceral hypersensitivity only during GD at 60 mmHg. 3) Neither WAY-100635 nor ketanserin blocked the effect of DVS on visceral sensitivity. 4) DVS at 30 mg/kg significantly increased plasma NE level (P = 0.012 vs. saline). 5) DVS at 30 mg/kg significantly delayed solid gastric emptying (P < 0.05 vs. saline). We conclude that DVS reduces visceral sensitivity in a rodent model of visceral hypersensitivity and delays solid gastric emptying. Caution should be made when DVS is used for treating patients.

Effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide on gastric adenocarcinoma

Background and Aim:  Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a gastrointestinal hormone in the secretin–VIP family. It has been reported that VIP affects some tumor growth, and there is a VIP autocrine regulation in some cancers. However, the effect of VIP on gastric adenocarcinoma is not clear yet. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of VIP on gastric adenocarcinoma, especially autocrine regulation of VIP on gastric adenocarcinoma.