Effects of different frequencies of electroacupuncture stimulation on the electroencephalogram and intracranial levels of prostaglandin D₂ and adenosine in rats under propofol anesthesia.

This article investigates the effects of different frequencies of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation on electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns and intracranial levels of adenosine (Ad) and prostaglandin D₂ (PGD₂) in propofol-anesthetized rats. Thirty-six rats were assigned to manual acupuncture (MA), low-frequency EA (LF-EA, 2/15 Hz), or high-frequency EA (HF-EA, 50 Hz) groups, with stimulation applied at bilateral ST36 and PC6 acupoints. Results showed that LF-EA increased δ brain waves, subcortical Ad, cortical PGD₂, and Ad levels in the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO), suggesting enhanced depth of anesthesia and sedation potentially mediated by these neurochemical changes. In contrast, HF-EA increased θ, α, and β waves without significant changes in Ad or PGD₂ levels, indicating no similar sedative effect. The study concludes that LF-EA may deepen anesthesia through modulation of PGD₂ and Ad, while the mechanisms of HF-EA remain unclear.