Effects of electroacupuncture on capsaicin-induced model of atopic dermatitis in rats

Abstract

Background: Electroacupuncture (EA) is used as a prescription to treat pruritus and atopic dermatitis. Whether EA affects experimental itch in rat models of immunologic or neuronal damages, however, is unknown. Objectives: The present study was designed to determine the therapeutic effects of high-frequency EA on atopic dermatitis-like lesions in rats. Materials and methods: Capsaicin (50 mg/kg) was subcutaneously administered rat pups within 48 h after birth. Rats then underwent 30 mm of EA at six acupoints (bilateral BL13, and unilateral LI11, ST36, SP10, SP6) every other day (EA group) for 3 weeks. Measurements of IgE, mast cells, scratching behavior, dynorphin release, skin thickness and dermatitis score were obtained. Results: Only the dermatitis score and dynorphin expression were decreased in the EA group compared with the control non-EA group. Conclusion: We suggest that high-frequency EA alleviates pruritus of atopic dermatitis-like lesions in rats induced by capsaicin injection, via the release of dynorphin. These findings indicate a new potential therapeutic approach for the amelioration of symptoms of atopic dermatitis. (C) 2013 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.