Effects of Electroacupuncture at Shangjuxu (ST 37) on Interleukin-1β and Interleukin-4 in the Ulcerative Colitis Model Rats

ObjectiveTo probe into the mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) at Shangjuxu (ST 37) for treatment of the ulcerative colitis (UC).MethodsForty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: a normal group, a model group, a Shangjuxu group and a non-acupoint group, 10 rats in each group. The UC rat model was made with enema of trinitro-benzenesulfonic acid (TNBSA), and the changes of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) contents after EA at Shangjuxu (ST 37) were observed.ResultsEA at Shangjuxu (ST 37) could significantly decrease the IL-1β content and increase the IL-4 content in the colic tissues of the UC rats with significant differences as compared with the model group and the non-acupoint group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).ConclusionThe mechanisms of EA at Shangjuxu (ST 37) for treatment of the UC rats is possibly related with the decrease of IL-1β, a inflammation-promoting cytokine, and the increase of IL-4, a anti-inflammatory cytokine.