Electroacupuncturing at Zusanli point (ST36) attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokine release and organ dysfunction by activating cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in rat with endotoxin challenge.

Background: It is considered that the pathogenesis is closely related to an excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines caused by bacterial toxins and an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators.

Materials And Methods: This work investigates the effect of electro-acupuncturing (EA), at Zusanli point (ST36) on plasma cytokine release and organ dysfunction and their mechanism in conscious rats with endotoxin challenge.

Results: EA at Zusanli points obviously lowered the elevated levels of plasma TNF-α, and attenuated changes in parameters relevant to various organ functions at 2 h after LPS challenge.