Acupuncture protection against experimental hyperbilirubinemia and cholangitis in rats

Effects of acupuncture on experimental hyperbilirubinemia and cholangitis were studied in male rats (n = 33). The experimental group were treated with acupuncture, 18, 12 and 6 hr prior to and 6, 12 and 18 hr after oral administration of alpha-napthylisothiocyanate (ANIT, 100 mg per Kg). Rats were sacrificed 48 hours after challenge. Serum and liver samples were taken for biochemical and histological analysis, respectively. Results of this study revealed that rats treated with ANIT exhibited elevations in bilirubin, SGOT and SGPT as well as cholangitis. In rats receiving acupuncture and ANIT, biochemical and morphological parameters of liver injury were significantly reduced. Acupuncture therapy may be able to prevent ANIT-induced hyperbilirubinemia and cholangitis.