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Updated: Sep 20, 2025
Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms ECoGs and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture
Published on: December 22, 2016
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.
Background:
In previous studies, electroacupuncture (EA) with 2/15 Hz has been shown to enhance the sedative effects in general anesthesia patients. Central lateral thalamic stimulation of 50 Hz showed an arousal effect in macaques. Therefore, it is worth studying the sedative effect of EA at peripheral acupoints with different frequencies, especially the frequency of around 50 Hz.
Methods:
Rats were anesthetized under the constant infusion of propofol and EA at Zusanli (ST36) and Neiguan (PC6) locations. Electroencephalography (EEG) and heart rate were continuously recorded before and after the intervention by EA in the C group (control), LEA group (low-frequency group, 2/15 Hz diffuse/dense wave EA stimulation), and HEA group (high-frequency group, 50 Hz stimulation).
Results:
In the LEA group, a significant increase in the power of the delta component with a decrease in the alpha component (p < 0.05) was observed after EA stimulation. In the HEA group, significant increases in the powers of alpha and beta components of EEG (p < 0.05) and a decrease in the delta component of EEG were observed (p < 0.05). The phenomenon is also shown in full-frequency waves. In addition, a significant decrease in the low-frequency/high-frequency ratio parameter was observed in the LEA group.
Conclusions:
EA at bilateral ST36 and PC6 can enhance the sedative effects of propofol anesthesia in low-frequency stimulation but lighten the sedative effects in high-frequency (50 Hz) stimulation. The sympathetic-vagal balance was affected due to low-frequency EA.
