Effect of electroacupuncture at auricular concha on behaviors and electroencephalogram in epileptic rats

AIM: To explore the antiseizure mechanism of electroacupuncture at auricular concha (AC).METHODS: Forty-eight healthy adult male rats were divided into 2 parts for behavioral observation (n=24) and electrophysiological observation (n=24), respectively. For behavioral observation, 24 rats were divided into 3 groups: model group (n=8), Dazhui group (Du 14, n=8) and AC group (n=8). The rats in model group were treated with intraperitoneal injection of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 60 mg/kg). The rats in the latter 2 groups were pretreated with electroacupuncture at "Du 14" and AC, respectively, and then received intraperitoneal injection of PTZ. Behavioral observations were performed to determine the antiseizure effect of electroacupuncture at AC. For electrophysiological observation, 24 rats were divided into 3 groups: Dazhui group (n=8),vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) group (n=8) and AC group (n=8). The rats in Dazhui group were treated with electroacupuncture at "Du 14". The rats in VNS group were given cervical vagus nerve stimulation. The rats in AC group were treated with electroacupuncture at AC. Epileptic discharges in electroencephalogram were observed to determine the effect of electroacupuncture at AC for the treatment of epilepsy. RESULTS: Compared with model group, the latency of the first grand mal seizure increased in AC group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with Dazhui group, the latency of the first grand mal seizure increased in AC group (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the durations of the first grand mal decreased in Dazhui group and AC group (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Compared with model group, the scores of epileptic behaviors decreased in AC group (P<0.01). Compared with Dazhui group, the scores of epileptic behaviors decreased in AC group (P<0.01). The antiseizure duration by VNS and electroacupuncture at AC increased, compared with that by electroacupuncture at "Du 14" (P<0.01). No statistical difference between the antiseizure duration of VNS and electroacupuncture at AC was observed (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The antiseizure effect of electroacupuncture at AC is better than that of electroacupuncture at "Du 14". There is no significant difference between the acute antiseizure duration of VNS and electroacupuncture at AC. Electroacupuncture at AC is effective, convenient and low-cost, which may be used as a complementary therapy for epilepsy.