Abstract: OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of electronic stimulation at acupoints Neiguan(PC 6) and Lieque(LU 7) on the gene expression of the adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-Sensitive potassium channel(KATP:Kir6.1,Kir6.2,SUR2 A,and SUR2B) and protein kinases(PKA,PKG,and PKCβ2) in myocardial cells of rats with myocardial ischemia(Ml) induced by isoproterenol(ISO).METHODS:Rats were randomly divided into a control,model,Neiguan(PC 6),Lieque(LU 7),and non-acupoint groups.The Ml model was established by injecting rats with ISO.Electro-acupuncture treatment was given to the acupuncture groups,once a day for 7 days.Gene expression was analyzed with real-time PCR.RESULTS:The gene expression of KATP and protein kinases in the model group was higher than those in the control group(P < 0.05).After acupuncture treatment,the KATP and protein kinase expression levels were significantly lower in the Neiguan(PC 6)and Lieque(LU 7) groups compared with the model group[P < 0.05).The Neiguan(PC 6) group lowered these levels significantly more than that of the Lieque(LU 7) group(P < 0.05).No significant differences were observed between the model and non-acupoint groups(P > 0.05).CONCLUSION:Our findings suggest that electronic needling of Neiguan(PC 6) can both reduce the gene expression of KATP and protein kinases in rats with ISO-induced Ml.

Key words: Point PC6(Neiguan), Acupuncture, Electric stimulation, KATP Channels, Protein Kinases, Myocardial ischemia