Effects of electroacupuncture of “Zusanli” acupoint on high blood pressure and bloodhyperviscosity in stress rats

Abstract

Elevation of blood pressure (BP) and blood viscosity (BV) was induced in unanesthetized Wistar rats by fixing and hanging. Electroacupuncture of “Zusanli” acupoint or microinjection of GABA (60 μg/10μl) into theN ventricle of the brain could lower the high BP and BV induced by fixedhanging, which could be blocked by a microinjection of GABA_A receptor antagonist bicuculline (60 μg/10 μl). The results showed that the depressant effect of electroacupuncture of “Zusanli” acupoint on high BP and blood hyperviscosity induced by fixed-hanging might be mediated by the activation of GABA_A receptors in the brain.

Keywords

stress / blood pressure / blood viscosity / electroacupuncture / GABA

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