Electroacupuncture Improves the Survival Rate and Organ Function in a Rat Model of Hemorrhagic Shock

Abstract

Electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 can improve the survival rate in rats after hemorrhagic shock (HS). The current study investigated rats with 60% blood loss. 144 rats were divided into four groups: hemorrhage without fluid resuscitation (HS), EA after hemorrhage without fluid resuscitation (EA), hemorrhage with delayed resuscitation (DFR), and EA after hemorrhage with delayed resuscitation (EA + DFR). The survival rate and biological parameters 0, 3, 12, and 24 h after HS were investigated. The 24 h survival rate of EA + DFR was significantly higher than that of DFR. 12 h after hemorrhage, the level of mean arterial blood pressure of EA + DFR was significantly higher than that of DFR, and the levels of renal blood flow, intestinal mucosal blood flow, and hepatic blood flow of EA + DFR were also significantly higher than those of DFR. Three hours after hemorrhage, the levels of lactate, PaCO2, alanine aminotransferase, and creatinine of groups receiving EA were significantly lower than those of non-EA groups, and the levels of pH, PaO2, and diamine oxidase of groups receiving EA were significantly higher. EA at ST36 can improve the 24 h survival rate and produce the experimental antishock effects on tissue perfusion and organ protection from fatal HS.