Electroacupuncture via chronically implanted electrodes improves gastric dysmotility mediated by autonomic‐cholinergic mechanisms in a rodent model of functional dyspepsia

Background Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). However, its mechanisms remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate mechanisms of the prokinetic effects of EA in a rodent model of FD. Methods A FD model was established by neonatal treatment of iodoacetamide (IA). Eight weeks later, the rats were implanted with electrodes in the stomach for the measurement of gastric slow waves (GSW) and electrodes into acupoints ST36 for EA. Autonomic functions were assessed by the spectral analysis of heart rate variability. Key Results (i) The IA‐treated rats (“FD” rats) showed increased dysrhythmia in both fasting and fed states (P