Effect of Electroacupuncture on the Expression GLUT4 of Skeletal Muscle in Type-2 Diabetic Rats
[Objective]To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of glucose transporter 4(GLUT4)of skeletal muscle in rats with type-2 diabetes mellitus,and to elucidate the mechanism of electroacupuncture on blood glucose regulation.[Methods]Twenty-four rats with type-2 diabetes were randomly divided into blank control group,exercise intervention group and electroacupuncture group,with 8 rats in each group.Rats in blank control group did normal activities.After 1 week of adaptation,rats in exercise intervention group began to run on the treadmill for 2 weeks.The rats in electroacupuncture group were adapted for 1 week,and then the electroacupuncture was placed at the Zhusanli acupoint on both sides with continuous wave stimulation for 2 weeks.Fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance index(IRI)were detected before and after the treatment,and the GLUT4 level of rat muscle cells was detected after the treatment.[Results]Compared with before intervention,the fasting blood glucose level of rats with type-2 diabetes in exercise intervention group and electroacupuncture group reduced significantly after intervention(P<0.001,P=0.028),and the IRI was reduced significantly(P<0.001,P<0.001).The differences of fasting blood glucose level and IRI were significant among the three groups after intervention(P<0.001).The difference of level of GLUT4 was also significant among the three groups after intervention(P<0.001).[Conclusion]Electroacupuncture stimulation can significantly decrease the level of blood glucose and IRI,and regulate the level of GLUT4 in skeletal muscle,which may be an important mechanism of regulation.
type 2 diabeteselectroacupunctureexercise interventionblood glucoseinsulin resistance indexGLUT4