Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical
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Augmentation of cardiac sympathetic tone has been shown to induce ventricular arrhythmias. Acupuncture has been clinically used to treat hypertension, angina pectoris, and atrial arrhythmias. However, the effects of acupuncture on ventricular electrophysiology and autonomic tone remain unknown. ⋯ EA significantly attenuated the increase in LF/HF (EA 0.6 ± 0.1 vs. control 1.1 ± 0.2, P < 0.05). In conclusion, EA reduces the cardiac excitability induced by LSS through correction of cardiac sympathovagal balance. This study provides mechanistic insights underlying cardiac neuromodulation of EA during sympathoexcitation.