Acupuncture Reduces Anxiety in Rats During Alcohol Withdrawal
Author Information
Author(s): Zhao Zheng Lin, Zhao Guang Wen, Li Hou Zhong, Yang Xu Dong, Wu Yi Yan, Lin Feng, Guan Li Xin, Zhai Feng Guo, Liu Jia Qi, Yang Chae Ha, Kim Sang Chan, Kim Kee Won, Zhao Rong Jie
Primary Institution: Mudanjiang Medical University
Hypothesis
Acupuncture at specific acupoints can alleviate anxiety-like behavior during ethanol withdrawal in rats.
Conclusion
Acupuncture at the HT7 acupoint significantly reduces anxiety-like behavior and normalizes neuro-endocrine parameters during ethanol withdrawal in rats.
Supporting Evidence
- Rats undergoing ethanol withdrawal showed anxiety-like behavior as indicated by reduced time spent in open arms of the elevated plus maze.
- Acupuncture at HT7 significantly increased the time spent in open arms compared to ethanol-treated control rats.
- Plasma corticosterone levels were significantly reduced in rats treated with acupuncture at HT7 during ethanol withdrawal.
Takeaway
This study found that acupuncture can help calm anxious rats that are going through alcohol withdrawal.
Methodology
Rats were treated with ethanol or saline for 28 days, followed by acupuncture treatment and behavioral tests using the elevated plus maze.
Limitations
The study was conducted on rats, which may not fully represent human responses to acupuncture.
Participant Demographics
Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (250–270 g)
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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