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Published on: December 22, 2016
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EEG and ECG Power Spectrum Analysis of Sedative Effects on Propofol-Anesthetized Rats with Electroacupuncture
Shu-Ying Zhu1, Jin Ma1, Ze-Ru Wang2
1Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
Summary
Low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) enhances propofol sedation, while high-frequency (50 Hz) EA lightens it. Low-frequency EA also impacts sympathetic-vagal balance, affecting anesthesia depth.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neuroscience
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Previous studies indicate 2/15 Hz electroacupuncture (EA) enhances sedation.
- Central lateral thalamic stimulation at 50 Hz has shown arousal effects.
- Investigating EA at peripheral acupoints with 50 Hz is warranted for sedative effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sedative effects of EA at different frequencies (2/15 Hz vs. 50 Hz) during propofol anesthesia.
- To analyze the impact of EA on electroencephalography (EEG) and heart rate variability.
- To determine the influence of EA frequency on anesthetic depth and autonomic balance.
Main Methods:
- Rats were anesthetized with propofol infusion.
- EA was applied at Zusanli (ST36) and Neiguan (PC6) acupoints.
- EEG and heart rate were recorded in control, low-frequency EA (2/15 Hz), and high-frequency EA (50 Hz) groups.
Main Results:
- Low-frequency EA (2/15 Hz) increased delta and decreased alpha EEG power, indicating enhanced sedation.
- High-frequency EA (50 Hz) increased alpha and beta, and decreased delta EEG power, suggesting lighter sedation.
- Low-frequency EA decreased the low-frequency/high-frequency ratio, indicating altered sympathetic-vagal balance.
Conclusions:
- EA at ST36 and PC6 enhances propofol sedation at low frequencies (2/15 Hz).
- High-frequency EA (50 Hz) at these acupoints lightens propofol's sedative effects.
- Low-frequency EA influences sympathetic-vagal balance, affecting anesthetic depth.
