The effect of electroacupuncture as an adjunct on cyclophosphamide-induced emesis in ferrets

Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003 Feb;74(3):691-9. doi: 10.1016/s0091-3057(02)01069-9.

Abstract

The effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on cyclophosphamide-induced emesis in ferrets was studied at acupuncture point Neiguan (P6) with various electrical stimulation parameters (5-100 Hz, 1.5-3 V, 5-20 min, n=6/group). The combination therapy of EA (100 Hz, 1.5 V and 10 min) with the lower doses of ondansetron (0.04 mg/kg), droperidol (0.25 mg/kg) and metoclopramide (2.24 mg/kg) significantly reduced the total number of emetic episodes by 52%, 36% and 73%, respectively, as well as the number of emetic episodes in the first phase as compared to the sham acupuncture control (P<.01). These EA/drug combinations also showed a significant effect in preventing emesis as compared to either EA or drug alone (P<.05). The present study suggests that acupuncture may be useful as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced emesis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiemetics / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Cyclophosphamide / toxicity*
  • Electroacupuncture / methods*
  • Ferrets
  • Male
  • Vomiting / chemically induced*
  • Vomiting / therapy*

Substances

  • Antiemetics
  • Cyclophosphamide