Heart Rate Changes in Electroacupuncture Treated Polycystic Ovary in Rats

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic disorder, it affects both humans and animals. It may induce coronary heart disease, obesity and hyperandrogenism. Previous studies show that Low frequency Electroacupuncture (EA) have an effect on PCOS, however the exact pathway is unclear. AIM: To find the effect of EA on autonomic activity of the heart in Estradiol Valerate (EV) induced PCOS rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed in 3 groups: 1) Control; 2) PCOS rats; and 3) PCOS rats after EA treatment (n=8 in each group). From the time domain analysis and frequency domain analysis (linear measures) HRV analysis was done. EA stimulation was given at low frequency of 2Hz for 15 min on alternate days for 4-5 weeks. Collected data were statistically analysed using One-Way Analysis of Variance with the application of multiple comparisons of Tukey test. RESULTS: EA treatment group shows significant reduction in Heart Rate (HR) and low frequency, high frequency ratio (LF/HF); and increase in RR interval, Total Power (TP) when compared to PCOS group. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that EA treatment has a significant effect on reducing sympathetic tone and decreasing HR in PCOS.