基于“脾应长夏”的胃肠激素季节变化与松果腺褪黑素的相关性研究

Correlations between Seasonal Changes of Gastrointestinal Hormones and Melatonin in Pineal Gland Based on the TCM Theory of Spleen Corresponding to Late Summer

目的:观察大鼠血清褪黑素(MT)、胃泌素(GAS)及胃动素(MTL)五季中的含量变化,探讨胃肠动力的季节变化与松果腺褪黑素的相关性,揭示“脾应长夏”内涵。方法:在春、夏、长夏、秋及冬季分批饲养SD雄性大鼠,每一季节中的大鼠随机分为对照组(不做任何处理)和模型组(行松果腺摘除术)。饲养至节气点时间春分、夏至、立秋前1 d、秋分及冬至取材,酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA法)检测血清中MT、GAS和MTL含量。结果:春、夏、长夏、秋、冬五季中对照组血清MT、GAS及MTL分泌存在季节性变化节律,均在长夏季节含量最低。松果腺摘除后,模型组中五季血清MT、GAS及MTL分泌的季节性变化节律发生改变,但各指标含量仍在长夏季节最低。长夏季节GAS及MTL分泌与褪黑素具有一致性。结论:胃肠消化系统的功能与中医脾藏象理论密切相关,松果腺褪黑素调节下的胃肠动力的季节变化为中医“脾应长夏”理论生理机制的研究提供了依据。

Objective:To explore the correlations between the seasonal changes of gastrointestinal hormones and melatonin in the pineal gland,and reveal the connotation of spleen corresponding to late summer.Methods:SD male rats were raised in batches in spring,summer,late summer,autumn,and winter.The rats in each season were randomized into a control group(without any treatment)and a model group(with removal of the pineal gland).The samples were collected on the Spring Equinox,Summer Solstice,one day before the Beginning of Autumn,Autumn Equinox,and Winter Solstice,and then the serum levels of melatonin(MT),gastrin(GAS),and motilin(MTL)were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:The serum levels of MT,GAS,and MTL in the control group presented seasonal changes,being the lowest in late summer among the five seasons.After removal of the pineal gland,the seasonal rhythm of MT,GAS,and MTL changed,while the lowest levels still in late summer.The secretion of GAS and MTL was consistent with that of melatonin during late summer.Conclusion:The digestive function of the gastrointestinal system was closely related to the TCM theory of visceral manifestations regarding spleen.The seasonal changes of gastrointestinal motility under the regulation of melatonin secreted by the pineal gland provide a basis for revealing the physiological mechanism of the TCM theory of spleen corresponding to late summer.