A brief commentary: electroacupuncture may relax the contraction of sphincter of Oddi.

Animal studies have shown that acupuncture can affect the function of the sphincter of Oddi, a smooth muscle encircling major papilla located at the second portion of the duodenum that regulates the flow of bile and pancreatic juice. This study of thirteen patients was the first to observe the effects of acupuncture on sphincter of Oddi motility in humans. Stimulation of the acupuncture point GB-34, which is known to Oriental medicine as an acupoint with effect on the biliary system, showed reversible inhibition of sphincter of Oddi contractions. In contrast, stimulation of a nonspecific control acupoint did not induce significant change. This study suggests that acupuncture may be one alternative treatment for patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.