Electroacupuncture Inhibits Inflammatory Response in Rats With Interstitial Cystitis

OBJECTIVE: Electroacupuncture (EA) has been clinically utilized to manage interstitial cystitis (IC), but its related mechanism research is remained to be researched. This study aimed to explore the role of EA in inhibiting the inflammatory response of IC rats, and research the possible mechanism based on the changes of urodynamics, mast cell tryptase expression and the content of inflammatory substances. METHODS: EA (continuous wave, 30 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to stimulate the Ciliao point (BL32) and the Huiyang point (BL35) of rats. Changes of urodynamics, mast cell tryptase expression and the content of IL-6 and TNF-α were detected after 24 hours of the treatment. RESULTS: The results showed that after EA treatment, compared with the model group, the initial urination time of the rats was prolonged (3.23 ± 0.60 to 5.27 ± 0.27 min), the bladder capacity was increased (0.80 ± 0.15 to 1.31 ± 0.07 ml), and the degree of bladder mucosal damage was restored. The expression of mast cell tryptase, and the content of IL-6 and TNF-α in its bladder tissue and urine were reduced.CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that EA could suppress bladder overactivity and inhibit inflammatory response of IC rats, and its mechanism was proved to be related to the inhibition of mast cell degranulation and the down-regulation of inflammatory substances IL-6 and TNF-α in bladder tissue.