A novel approach to the application of electroacupuncture in awake rats.

BACKGROUND The primary focus of many animal studies of electroacupuncture (EA) is on the overall effects of the treatment, without due consideration of the impact of how the needles are applied in animal models. Most experimental studies of EA use anaesthesia before needle insertion and electrical stimulation, or alternatively use restraining devices while the animals remain awake, either of which may confound the effects of the needling per se. In a recent study, Wang et al reported that rats remained in a polyethylene cylinder during the application of EA, without the need for either restraints or anaesthesia. Based on this observation, and given the potential difficulties that may be encountered during the application of EA, we set out to create a novel bottle-based device to help facilitate administration of EA without the use of anaesthesia or restraints.