1
|
Bidirectional role of acupuncture in the treatment of drug addiction. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 126:382-397. [PMID: 33839169 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a chronically relapsing disorder, affecting people from all walks of life. Studies of acupuncture effects on drug addiction are intriguing in light of the fact that acupuncture can be used as a convenient therapeutic intervention for treating drug addiction by direct activation of brain pathway. The current review aims to discuss the neurobiological mechanisms underlying acupuncture's effectiveness in the treatment of drug addiction, on the basis of two different theories (the incentive sensitization theory and the opponent process theory) that have seemingly opposite view on the role of the mesolimbic reward pathways in mediating compulsive drug-seeking behavior. This review provides evidence that acupuncture may reduce relapse to drug-seeking behavior by regulating neurotransmitters involved in drug craving modulation via somatosensory afferent mechanisms. Also, acupuncture normalizes hyper-reactivity or hypoactivity of the mesolimbic dopamine system in these opposed processes in drug addiction, suggesting bidirectional role of acupuncture in regulation of drug addiction. This proposes that acupuncture may reduce drug craving by correcting both dysfunctions of the mesolimbic dopamine pathway.
Collapse
|
2
|
Huo R, Han SP, Liu FY, Shou XJ, Liu LY, Song TJ, Zhai FJ, Zhang R, Xing GG, Han JS. Responses of Primary Afferent Fibers to Acupuncture-Like Peripheral Stimulation at Different Frequencies: Characterization by Single-Unit Recording in Rats. Neurosci Bull 2020; 36:907-918. [PMID: 32394277 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-020-00509-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The pain-relieving effect of acupuncture is known to involve primary afferent nerves (PANs) via their roles in signal transmission to the CNS. Using single-unit recording in rats, we characterized the generation and transmission of electrical signals in Aβ and Aδ fibers induced by acupuncture-like stimuli. Acupuncture-like signals were elicited in PANs using three techniques: manual acupuncture (MAc), emulated acupuncture (EAc), and electro-acupuncture (EA)-like peripheral electrical stimulation (PES). The discharges evoked by MAc and EAc were mostly in a burst pattern with average intra-burst and inter-burst firing rates of 90 Hz and 2 Hz, respectively. The frequency of discharges in PANs was correlated with the frequency of PES. The highest discharge frequency was 246 Hz in Aβ fibers and 180 Hz in Aδ fibers. Therefore, EA in a dense-disperse mode (at alternating frequency between 2 Hz and 15 Hz or between 2 Hz and 100 Hz) best mimics MAc. Frequencies of EA output >250 Hz appear to be obsolete for pain relief.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ran Huo
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.,Department of Neurobiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.,Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Song-Ping Han
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.,Department of Neurobiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Feng-Yu Liu
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.,Department of Neurobiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Shou
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.,Department of Neurobiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ling-Yu Liu
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.,Department of Neurobiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Tian-Jia Song
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.,Department of Neurobiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fu-Jun Zhai
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.,Department of Neurobiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.,Department of Neurobiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.,Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Guo-Gang Xing
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Department of Neurobiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Ji-Sheng Han
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Department of Neurobiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The Modulatory Effect of Acupuncture on the Activity of Locus Coeruleus Neuronal Cells: A Review. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:9785345. [PMID: 29234450 PMCID: PMC5664286 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9785345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Locus Coeruleus (LC) is a small collection of noradrenergic neurons located in the pons. In the brain, noradrenaline (NE) is primarily produced by noradrenergic cell groups in the LC, which is the largest group of noradrenergic neurons in the central nervous system. Acupuncture, including the electroacupuncture which is a modified acupuncture method, is known to be effective in various kinds of diseases, and the involvement of noradrenergic system in the central nervous system has been reported by previous studies. However, on whether acupuncture can modulate the LC neuronal cells activities, results vary from studies to studies. In this paper, we included twelve articles, which observed the effect of acupuncture on the activities of LC in humans and animals. Our study shows that, among twelve included studies, six reported decrease of LC activities, whereas six showed increase of LC activities after acupuncture treatment. Although it is difficult to draw a firm conclusion, the authors suggest that the difference of frequencies may play an important role in the modulatory effect of acupuncture on LC. Further studies are needed to clarify the precise mechanism of acupuncture on LC, as it can lead to a new therapeutic method for various LC-NE related diseases.
Collapse
|
4
|
Cha M, Chae Y, Bai SJ, Lee BH. Spatiotemporal changes of optical signals in the somatosensory cortex of neuropathic rats after electroacupuncture stimulation. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:33. [PMID: 28068994 PMCID: PMC5223459 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1510-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Peripheral nerve injury causes physiological changes in primary afferent neurons. Neuropathic pain associated with peripheral nerve injuries may reflect changes in the excitability of the nervous system, including the spinothalamic tract. Current alternative medical research indicates that acupuncture stimulation has analgesic effects in various pain symptoms. However, activation changes in the somatosensory cortex of the brain by acupuncture stimulation remain poorly understood. The present study was conducted to monitor the changes in cortical excitability, using optical imaging with voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) in neuropathic rats after electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation. Methods Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control (intact), sham injury, and neuropathic pain rats. Under pentobarbital anesthesia, rats were subjected to nerve injury with tight ligation and incision of the tibial and sural nerves in the left hind paw. For optical imaging, the rats were re-anesthetized with urethane, and followed by craniotomy. The exposed primary somatosensory cortex (S1) was stained with VSD for one hour. Optical signals were recorded from the S1 cortex, before and after EA stimulation on Zusanli (ST36) and Yinlingquan (SP9). Results After peripheral stimulation, control and sham injury rats did not show significant signal changes in the S1 cortex. However, inflamed and amplified neural activities were observed in the S1 cortex of nerve-injured rats. Furthermore, the optical signals and region of activation in the S1 cortex were reduced substantially after EA stimulation, and recovered in a time-dependent manner. The peak fluorescence intensity was significantly reduced until 90 min after EA stimulation (Pre-EA: 0.25 ± 0.04 and Post-EA 0 min: 0.01 ± 0.01), and maximum activated area was also significantly attenuated until 60 min after EA stimulation (Pre-EA: 37.2 ± 1.79 and Post-EA 0 min: 0.01 ± 0.10). Conclusion Our results indicate that EA stimulation has inhibitory effects on excitatory neuronal signaling in the S1 cortex, caused by noxious stimulation in neuropathic pain. These findings suggest that EA stimulation warrants further study as a potential adjuvant modulation of neuropathic pain.
Collapse
|
5
|
Johnston MF, Yang C, Hui KK, Xiao B, Li XS, Rusiewicz A. Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Associated Cognitive Dysfunction: A Hypothesis-Generating Literature Review to Inform Clinical Advice. Integr Cancer Ther 2016; 6:36-41. [PMID: 17351025 DOI: 10.1177/1534735406298903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an emerging consensus that between one fifth and one half of breast cancer patients experience chemotherapy-associated cognitive dysfunction. Research shows that patients with cancer are often interested in acupuncture for symptom relief. A clinical question thus arises: What should physicians advise their patients regarding the use of acupuncture to alleviate or ameliorate chemotherapy-associated cognitive dysfunction? The authors review and synthesize 2 bodies of relevant research literature: (1) the developing literature on the etiology and nature of chemotherapy-associated cognitive dysfunction and (2) the literature concerning acupuncture for neurological diseases and psychological issues. There is evidence that acupuncture may be effectively used to manage a range of psychoneurological issues, some of which are similar to those experienced by patients with chemotherapy-associated cognitive dysfunction. The evidence of efficacy is more promising for psychological than neurological conditions. Given evidence of possible efficacy combined with evidence of demonstrated safety, we suggest that physicians should support patient decisions to use acupuncture services for chemotherapy-associated cognitive dysfunction, especially given the lack of proven alternatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Francis Johnston
- Center for East-West Medicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Analgesic Neural Circuits Are Activated by Electroacupuncture at Two Sets of Acupoints. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:3840202. [PMID: 27429635 PMCID: PMC4939346 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3840202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
To investigate analgesic neural circuits activated by electroacupuncture (EA) at different sets of acupoints in the brain, goats were stimulated by EA at set of Baihui-Santai acupoints or set of Housanli acupoints for 30 min. The pain threshold was measured using the potassium iontophoresis method. The levels of c-Fos were determined with Streptavidin-Biotin Complex immunohistochemistry. The results showed pain threshold induced by EA at set of Baihui-Santai acupoints was 44.74% ± 4.56% higher than that by EA at set of Housanli acupoints (32.64% ± 5.04%). Compared with blank control, EA at two sets of acupoints increased c-Fos expression in the medial septal nucleus (MSN), the arcuate nucleus (ARC), the nucleus amygdala basalis (AB), the lateral habenula nucleus (HL), the ventrolateral periaqueductal grey (vlPAG), the locus coeruleus (LC), the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM), the pituitary gland, and spinal cord dorsal horn (SDH). Compared with EA at set of Housanli points, EA at set of Baihui-Santai points induced increased c-Fos expression in AB but decrease in MSN, the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, HL, and SDH. It suggests that ARC-PAG-NRM/LC-SDH and the hypothalamus-pituitary may be the common activated neural pathways taking part in EA-induced analgesia at the two sets of acupoints.
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen SP, Kan Y, Zhang JL, Wang JY, Gao YH, Qiao LN, Feng XM, Yan YX, Liu JL. Involvement of hippocampal acetylcholinergic receptors in electroacupuncture analgesia in neuropathic pain rats. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2016; 12:13. [PMID: 27068709 PMCID: PMC4828850 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-016-0096-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cumulating evidence has shown a close correlation between electroacupuncture stimulation (EAS) frequency-specific analgesic effect and central opioid peptides. However, the actions of hippocampal acetylcholinergic receptors have not been determined. This study aims to observe the effect of different frequencies of EAS on the expression of hippocampal muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholinergic receptors (mAChRs, nAChRs) in neuropathic pain rats for revealing their relationship. METHODS Forty male Wistar rats were randomly and equally divided into sham, CCI model, 2, 2/15 and 100 HzEA groups. The neuropathic pain model was established by ligature of the left sciatic nerve to induce chronic constriction injury (CCI). EAS was applied to bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Yanglingquan (GB34) for 30 min, once daily for 14 days except weekends. The mechanical pain thresholds (withdrawal latencies, PWLs) of bilateral hindpaws were measured. The expression levels of hippocampal M1 and M2 mAChR, and α4 and β2 nAChR genes and proteins were detected by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot, separately. The involvement of mAChR and nAChR in the analgesic effect of EAS was confirmed by intra-hippocampal microinjection of M1mAChR antagonist (Pirenzepine) and α4β2 nAChR antagonist (dihydro-beta-erythroidine) respectively. RESULTS Following EAS, the CCI-induced increase of difference values of bilateral PWLs on day 6 and 14 was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), with 2/15 Hz being greater than 100 Hz EAS on day 14 (P < 0.05). After 2 weeks' EAS, the decreased expression levels of M1 mAChR mRNA of both 2 and 2/15 Hz groups and M1 mAChR protein of the three EAS groups, α4 AChR mRNA of the 2/15 Hz group and β2 nAChR protein of the three EAS groups were considerably increased (P < 0.05), suggesting an involvement of M1 mAChR and β2 nAChR proteins in EAS-induced pain relief. No significant changes were found in the expression of M2 mAChR mRNA and protein, α4 nAChR protein and β2 nAChR mRNA after CCI and EAS (P > 0.05). The analgesic effect of EAS was abolished by intra-hippocampal microinjection of M1mAChR and α4β2 nAChR antagonists respectively. CONCLUSIONS EAS of ST36-GB34 produces a cumulative analgesic effect in neuropathic pain rats, which is frequency-dependent and probably mediated by hippocampal M1 mAChR and β2 nAChR proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu Ping Chen
- />Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700 China
| | - Yu Kan
- />Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700 China
| | - Jian Liang Zhang
- />Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700 China
| | - Jun Ying Wang
- />Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700 China
| | - Yong Hui Gao
- />Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700 China
| | - Li Na Qiao
- />Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Acu-Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu Mei Feng
- />Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700 China
| | - Ya Xia Yan
- />Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700 China
| | - Jun Ling Liu
- />Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700 China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
NMDA Receptor Antagonists, Gabapentinoids, α-2 Agonists, and Dexamethasone and Other Non-Opioid Adjuvants: Do They Have a Role in Plastic Surgery? Plast Reconstr Surg 2016; 134:69S-82S. [PMID: 25255009 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000000703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inadequate pain control and opioid-related adverse effects result in delayed patient recovery and discharge times. Adjuvants help to improve the quality of analgesia and decrease opioid consumption, consequently decreasing opioid-related effects, such as nausea and vomiting, sedation, ileus, and respiratory depression. We review the mechanisms and clinical evidence for nonopioid adjuvants. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Register were searched for meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized, controlled trials that compared the adjuvants ketamine, gabapentin, pregabalin, dexmedetomidine, clonidine, and dexamethasone with placebo. Keywords used in the search included "plastic surgery," "reconstructive surgery," "opioid," "pain," "analgesia," and the names of each adjuvant. The references of included studies were searched for additional relevant studies. RESULTS Ketamine was found in 6 meta-analyses to have a significant reduction in opioid requirements and may reduce the hyperalgesia associated with opioids. This seems to be most beneficial in surgeries where high postoperative pain is expected. Multiple robust trials have demonstrated that the gabapentinoids and α-2 agonists significantly improve quality of analgesia and decrease opioid consumption. Two recent meta-analyses found that a single low-dose of dexamethasone used for postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis may also improve postoperative analgesia. There is also emerging evidence for the use of low-dose naloxone, adenosine, and neuraxial neostigmine and acupuncture as part of a successful multimodal pain management regimen. CONCLUSIONS Although there is a lack of studies specifically focused in the plastic and reconstructive surgery patient population, the existing literature provides information about when the above adjuvants are likely to have the greatest impact.
Collapse
|
9
|
The Expression Patterns of c-Fos and c-Jun Induced by Different Frequencies of Electroacupuncture in the Brain. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:343682. [PMID: 26491460 PMCID: PMC4603316 DOI: 10.1155/2015/343682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
To investigate patterns of c-Fos and c-Jun expression induced by different frequencies of electroacupuncture (EA) in the brain, goats were stimulated by EA of 0, 2, 60, or 100 Hz at a set of "Baihui, Santai, Ergen, and Sanyangluo" points for 30 min. The pain threshold was measured using the potassium iontophoresis method. The levels of c-Fos and c-Jun were determined with Streptavidin-Biotin Complex immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the pain threshold induced by 60 Hz was 82.2% higher (P < 0.01) than that by 0, 2, or 100 Hz (6.5%, 35.2%, or 40.9%). EA induced increased c-Fos and c-Jun expression in most analgesia-related nuclei and areas in the brain. Sixty Hz EA increased more c-Fos or c-Jun expression than 2 Hz or 100 Hz EA in all the measured nuclei and areas except for the nucleus accumbens, the area septalis lateralis, the caudate nucleus, the nucleus amygdala basalis, and the locus coeruleus, in which c-Fos or c-Jun expressions induced by 60 Hz EA did not differ from those by 2 Hz or 100 Hz EA. It was suggested that 60 Hz EA activated more extensive neural circuits in goats, which may contribute to optimal analgesic effects.
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Since the last Cochrane review of acupuncture and headache in 2001, which found methodological and/or reporting shortcomings in the majority of the studies, several large, randomized trials on the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for headache have been published. Following a brief overview of the pathophysiology of migraine and possible action mechanisms of acupuncture, we look at current studies on acupuncture and migraine and discuss the results. From these results and our own studies on acupuncture and migraine, we conclude that a 6-week course of acupuncture is not inferior to a 6-month prophylactic drug treatment, but that specific Chinese point selection, point stimulation and needling depth are not as important as had been thought. The review suggests that acupuncture should be integrated into existing migraine therapy protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heinz G Endres
- Ruhr University Bochum, Department of Medical Informatics, Statistics & Epidemiology, D-44801 Bochum, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Silva ML, Silva JR, Prado WA. Analgesia induced by 2- or 100-Hz electroacupuncture in the rat tail-flick test depends on the anterior pretectal nucleus. Life Sci 2013; 93:742-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
12
|
Zhang Y, Glielmi CB, Jiang Y, Wang J, Wang X, Fang J, Cui C, Han J, Hu X, Zhang J. Simultaneous CBF and BOLD mapping of high frequency acupuncture induced brain activity. Neurosci Lett 2012; 530:12-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
13
|
Chang SK, Jahng GH, Lee SH, Choi IW, Choi CB, Choi WS. Differential Localization of Pain-Related Neural Responses During Acupuncture Stimulation Using Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) fMRI in a Canine Model. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 40:919-36. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x12500681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to differentiate the neuronal responses, which was related or unrelated, to pain associated with acupuncture stimulation, and to localize the brain regions with response to stimulation that is unrelated to pain by using Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI). BOLD fMRI was performed in six normal healthy beagle dogs, during placebo and verum acupuncture stimulations, at the right side of BL60 (KunLun) acupoint before and after local anesthesia of the acupoint. The order of the four sessions was placebo; verum acupuncture stimulation; before local anesthesia; and followed by the same stimulation after local anesthesia. One-sample t-test analysis was performed to localize the activated or deactivated areas, during both pre-anesthesia and post-anesthesia. In order to compare the pre-anesthesia to post-anesthetic responses, and placebo to verum acupuncture stimulation, within-subject analysis was performed. The post-anesthetic verum acupuncture stimulation resulted in increased activations in the left somatic afferent area I and II, right visual and auditory association area, and the descending reticular activating system of the brainstem. In addition, differential areas during post-anesthesia compared to that of the pre-anesthesia were in the left olfactory peduncle and descending reticular activating system of the brainstem. These results indicate that the areas of specific neural pathway are considered to be unrelated to the pain response during acupuncture stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suk-Ki Chang
- Department of Radiology, Daejin Medical Center, Seongnam 463-774, Republic of Korea
| | - Geon-Ho Jahng
- Department of Radiology, Kyung Hee University Hospital of Gangdong, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 134-727, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Lee
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Whan Choi
- Department of Meridian and Acupuncture, Graduate School of Applied Eastern Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi-Bong Choi
- Department of Radiology, Kyung Hee University Hospital, School of Medicine KyungHee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Suk Choi
- Department of Radiology, Kyung Hee University Hospital, School of Medicine KyungHee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yoon SS, Yang EJ, Lee BH, Jang EY, Kim HY, Choi SM, Steffensen SC, Yang CH. Effects of acupuncture on stress-induced relapse to cocaine-seeking in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 222:303-11. [PMID: 22453546 PMCID: PMC4056594 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2683-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cocaine addiction is associated with high rates of relapse, and stress has been identified as a major risk factor. We have previously demonstrated that acupuncture reduces drug self-administration and dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a brain structure implicated in stress-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to investigate the effects of acupuncture on footshock-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking and the expression of c-Fos and the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the NAc, used as markers of neuronal activation in conditions of stress-induced reinstatement to cocaine. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to self-administer cocaine (1.0 mg/kg) for 14 days, followed by extinction and then footshock stress. Acupuncture was applied at bilateral Shenmen (HT7) points for 1 min after footshock stress. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Acute footshock stress reinstated cocaine-seeking behavior and enhanced c-Fos expression and phosphorylated CREB (pCREB) activation in the NAc shell in cocaine pre-exposed rats. On the other hand, acupuncture at HT7, but not at control point (LI5), markedly reduced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking (86.5 % inhibition vs. control value), c-Fos expression (81.7% inhibition), and pCREB activation (79.3% inhibition) in the NAc shell. These results suggest that acupuncture attenuates stress-induced relapse by regulating neuronal activation in the NAc shell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seong Shoon Yoon
- College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 165 Sang-Dong, Suseong-Gu, Daegu 706-828, South Korea
| | - Eun Jin Yang
- Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 483 Expo-ro, Jeonmin-Dong, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 305-811, South Korea
| | - Bong Hyo Lee
- College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 165 Sang-Dong, Suseong-Gu, Daegu 706-828, South Korea
| | - Eun Young Jang
- College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 165 Sang-Dong, Suseong-Gu, Daegu 706-828, South Korea
| | - Hee Young Kim
- College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 165 Sang-Dong, Suseong-Gu, Daegu 706-828, South Korea
| | - Sun-Mi Choi
- Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 483 Expo-ro, Jeonmin-Dong, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 305-811, South Korea
| | - Scott C. Steffensen
- Department of Psychology (1050 SWKT), Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Chae Ha Yang
- College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 165 Sang-Dong, Suseong-Gu, Daegu 706-828, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang K, Zhang R, He F, Lin LB, Xiang XH, Ping XJ, Han JS, Zhao GP, Zhang QH, Cui CL. Electroacupuncture frequency-related transcriptional response in rat arcuate nucleus revealed region-distinctive changes in response to low- and high-frequency electroacupuncture. J Neurosci Res 2012; 90:1464-73. [PMID: 22411682 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) has been clinically applied for treating different medical conditions, such as pain, strain, and immune diseases. Low- and high-frequency EAs have distinct therapeutic effects in clinical practice and experimental studies. However, the molecular mechanism of this difference remains obscure. The arcuate nucleus (Arc) is a critical region of the hypothalamus and is responsible for the effect of EA stimulation to remote acupoints. Gene expression profiling provides a powerful tool with which to explore the basis of physiopathological responses to external stimulus. In this study, using cDNA microarray, we investigated gene expressions in the rat Arc region induced by low-frequency (2-Hz) and high-frequency (100-Hz) EAs to two remote acupoints, zusanli (ST36) and sanyinjiao (SP6). We have found that more genes were differentially regulated by 2-Hz EA than 100-Hz EA (154 vs. 66 regulated genes/ESTs) in Arc, especially those related to neurogenesis, which was confirmed by qRT-PCR. These results demonstrate that the expression level of genes in the Arc region could be effectively regulated by low-frequency EA, compared with high-frequency EA, helping to uncover the mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of the low-frequency EA. Our results also indicate different-frequency EAs are spatially specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biochip at Shanghai, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yang CH, Yoon SS, Hansen DM, Wilcox JD, Blumell BR, Park JJ, Steffensen SC. Acupuncture inhibits GABA neuron activity in the ventral tegmental area and reduces ethanol self-administration. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2010; 34:2137-46. [PMID: 20860620 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01310.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Withdrawal from chronic ethanol enhances ventral tegmental area (VTA) GABA neuron excitability and reduces mesolimbic dopamine (DA) neurotransmission, which is suppressed by acupuncture at Shenmen (HT7) points (Zhao et al., 2006). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of HT7 acupuncture on VTA GABA neuron excitability, ethanol inhibition of VTA GABA neuron firing rate, and ethanol self-administration. A role for opioid receptors (ORs) in ethanol and acupuncture effects is also explored. METHODS Using electrophysiological methods in mature rats, we evaluated the effects of HT7 stimulation and opioid antagonists on VTA GABA neuron firing rate. Using behavioral paradigms in rats, we evaluated the effects of HT7 stimulation and opioid antagonists on ethanol self-administration using a modification of the sucrose-fading procedure. RESULTS HT7 stimulation produced a biphasic modulation of VTA GABA neuron firing rate characterized by transient enhancement followed by inhibition and subsequent recovery in 5 minutes. HT7 inhibition of VTA GABA neuron firing rate was blocked by systemic administration of the nonselective μ-opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. HT7 stimulation significantly reduced ethanol suppression of VTA GABA neuron firing rate, which was also blocked by naloxone. HT7 acupuncture reduced ethanol self-administration without affecting sucrose consumption. Systemic administration of the δ-opioid receptor (DOR) antagonist naltrindole blocked ethanol suppression of VTA GABA neuron firing rate and significantly reduced ethanol self-administration without affecting sucrose consumption. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that DOR-mediated opioid modulation of VTA GABA neurons may mediate acupuncture's role in modulating mesolimbic DA release and suppressing the reinforcing effects of ethanol.
Collapse
|
17
|
Freire AO, Sugai GCM, Togeiro SM, Mello LE, Tufik S. Immediate effect of acupuncture on the sleep pattern of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Acupunct Med 2010; 28:115-9. [PMID: 20615853 DOI: 10.1136/aim.2009.001867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) do not tolerate treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure, the 'gold standard' treatment for this condition. It was shown in a pilot study that acupuncture was more effective than placebo treatment (sham acupuncture) in producing significant changes in the respiratory events assessed by polysomnography (PSG). OBJECTIVES To investigate the immediate effect of manual acupuncture (MA) and electroacupuncture (EA) on the sleep pattern of patients presenting with moderate OSA. METHODS 40 patients with an Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI) of 15-30/h were randomly allocated to MA treatment (n=10), EA 10 Hz treatment (n=10), EA 2 Hz treatment (n=10) and a no-treatment control group (n=10). The patients received MA or EA (2 or 10 Hz) just before the PSG study at 20:00. RESULTS The AHI (p=0.005; p=0.005), the Apnoea Index (p=0.038; p=0.009) and the respiratory events (p=0.039; p=0.014) decreased significantly in the MA and EA 10 Hz groups, respectively (AHI (21.9, 11.2), Apnoea Index (5.15, 0.7), respiratory events (120.5, 61.0) in the MA group before and after. AHI (20.6, 9.9), Apnoea Index (8.2, 0.3), respiratory events (117.0, 56.0) in the EA 10 Hz group before and after). The micro-arousals decreased only in the MA group (146.0 vs 88.5, p=0.0002). There were no significant changes in the EA 2 Hz group or in the control group. CONCLUSION A single session of either MA or EA 10 Hz had an acute effect in reducing the AHI as well as the number of nocturnal respiratory events of patients presenting with moderate OSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anaflávia O Freire
- Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Unifesp Rua Botucatu 862, 04023-062 São Paulo/SP, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bucinskaite V, Crumpton K, Theodorsson E, Lundeberg T. Sensory Stimulation (Electro-Acupuncture) and Physical Exercise, Effects on Blood Pressure, and Nociception. Int J Neurosci 2009. [DOI: 10.3109/00207459808986449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
19
|
Yang CH, Lee BH, Sohn SH. A possible mechanism underlying the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of drug addiction. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2008; 5:257-66. [PMID: 18830420 PMCID: PMC2529396 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nem081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2006] [Accepted: 06/06/2007] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Clinical trials are currently underway to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of drug addiction. While there are still many unanswered questions about the basic mechanisms of acupuncture, some evidence exists to suggest that acupuncture can play an important role in reducing reinforcing effects of abused drugs. The purpose of this article is to critically review these data. The neurochemical and behavioral evidence showed that acupuncture's role in suppressing the reinforcing effects of abused drugs takes place by modulating mesolimbic dopamine neurons. Also, several brain neurotransmitter systems such as serotonin, opioid and amino acids including GABA have been implicated in the modulation of dopamine release by acupuncture. These results provided clear evidence for the biological effects of acupuncture that ultimately may help us to understand how acupuncture can be used to treat abused drugs. Additional research using animal models is of primary importance to understanding the basic mechanism underlying acupuncture's effectiveness in the treatment of drug addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chae Ha Yang
- Department of Physiology and Department of Acupuncture, Moxibution and Acupointology, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, 706-828, South Korea
| | - Bong Hyo Lee
- Department of Physiology and Department of Acupuncture, Moxibution and Acupointology, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, 706-828, South Korea
| | - Sung Hoon Sohn
- Department of Physiology and Department of Acupuncture, Moxibution and Acupointology, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, 706-828, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sun Y, Gan T, Dubose J, Habib A. Acupuncture and related techniques for postoperative pain: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Br J Anaesth 2008; 101:151-60. [DOI: 10.1093/bja/aen146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
|
21
|
Zhao ZQ. Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Prog Neurobiol 2008; 85:355-75. [PMID: 18582529 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2008.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 679] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2007] [Revised: 03/19/2008] [Accepted: 05/30/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture has been accepted to effectively treat chronic pain by inserting needles into the specific "acupuncture points" (acupoints) on the patient's body. During the last decades, our understanding of how the brain processes acupuncture analgesia has undergone considerable development. Acupuncture analgesia is manifested only when the intricate feeling (soreness, numbness, heaviness and distension) of acupuncture in patients occurs following acupuncture manipulation. Manual acupuncture (MA) is the insertion of an acupuncture needle into acupoint followed by the twisting of the needle up and down by hand. In MA, all types of afferent fibers (Abeta, Adelta and C) are activated. In electrical acupuncture (EA), a stimulating current via the inserted needle is delivered to acupoints. Electrical current intense enough to excite Abeta- and part of Adelta-fibers can induce an analgesic effect. Acupuncture signals ascend mainly through the spinal ventrolateral funiculus to the brain. Many brain nuclei composing a complicated network are involved in processing acupuncture analgesia, including the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM), periaqueductal grey (PAG), locus coeruleus, arcuate nucleus (Arc), preoptic area, nucleus submedius, habenular nucleus, accumbens nucleus, caudate nucleus, septal area, amygdale, etc. Acupuncture analgesia is essentially a manifestation of integrative processes at different levels in the CNS between afferent impulses from pain regions and impulses from acupoints. In the last decade, profound studies on neural mechanisms underlying acupuncture analgesia predominately focus on cellular and molecular substrate and functional brain imaging and have developed rapidly. Diverse signal molecules contribute to mediating acupuncture analgesia, such as opioid peptides (mu-, delta- and kappa-receptors), glutamate (NMDA and AMPA/KA receptors), 5-hydroxytryptamine, and cholecystokinin octapeptide. Among these, the opioid peptides and their receptors in Arc-PAG-NRM-spinal dorsal horn pathway play a pivotal role in mediating acupuncture analgesia. The release of opioid peptides evoked by electroacupuncture is frequency-dependent. EA at 2 and 100Hz produces release of enkephalin and dynorphin in the spinal cord, respectively. CCK-8 antagonizes acupuncture analgesia. The individual differences of acupuncture analgesia are associated with inherited genetic factors and the density of CCK receptors. The brain regions associated with acupuncture analgesia identified in animal experiments were confirmed and further explored in the human brain by means of functional imaging. EA analgesia is likely associated with its counter-regulation to spinal glial activation. PTX-sesntive Gi/o protein- and MAP kinase-mediated signal pathways as well as the downstream events NF-kappaB, c-fos and c-jun play important roles in EA analgesia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qi Zhao
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gao YZ, Guo SY, Yin QZ, Hisamitsu T, Jiang XH. An individual variation study of electroacupuncture analgesia in rats using microarray. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2008; 35:767-78. [PMID: 17963317 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x07005259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to probe candidate genes which were involved in the electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia and to understand the molecular basis of the individual difference of EA analgesia in rats. We compared hypothalamus transcriptional profiles of responders with those of non-responders after 1 Hz EA treatment at ST36 acupoint for 1 hour by using oligonucleotide microarray. Responders and non-responders were determined by tail flick latency (TFL). A real-time quantitative RT-PCR was applied to validate the differential expressed genes. Our study provided a global hypothalamus transcriptional profile of EA analgesia in rats. We found that 63 and 3 genes were up- and down-regulated in the responder group, respectively. Half of the differentially expressed genes were classified into 9 functional groups which were ion transport, sensory perception, synaptogenesis and synaptic transmission, signal transduction, inflammatory response, apoptosis, transcription, protein amino acid phosphorylation and G-protein signaling. Glutamatergic receptors, ghrelin precursor, melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4-R) and neuroligin 1 were found to be up-regulated in the responder group which may become new targets for nociceptive study and deserve further investigation for developing new acupuncture therapy and intervention of pain modulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Zhen Gao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chen T, Hui R, Wang XL, Zhang T, Dong YX, Li YQ. Origins of endomorphin-immunoreactive fibers and terminals in different columns of the periaqueductal gray in the rat. J Comp Neurol 2008; 509:72-87. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.21728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
24
|
Zeng Y, Liang XC, Dai JP, Wang Y, Yang ZL, Li M, Huang GY, Shi J. Electroacupuncture modulates cortical activities evoked by noxious somatosensory stimulations in human. Brain Res 2006; 1097:90-100. [PMID: 16793024 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.03.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2005] [Revised: 03/13/2006] [Accepted: 03/15/2006] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A noninvasive high-resolution imaging technique of cerebral electric activities has been developed to directly link scalp potential measurement with the magnetic resonance images of the subjects, which is very helpful for the elucidation of the cortical processing following various stimulations. Here, we used a 64-channel Neuroscan ESI-128 system to explore the specific cortical activities elicited by electroacupuncture (EA) acupoint in normal volunteers and the modulatory effect of EA on cortical activities evoked by noxious somatosensory stimulation. A specific later-latency somatosensory-evoked potential (SEP, P150) located in bilateral anterior cingulated cortex was observed after EA acupoint but not non-acupoint. Two pain-specific SEP components (P170 and N280), located in bilateral suprasylvian operculum and anterior cingulated cortex respectively were observed following painful median nerve stimulation. Binding EA acupoint with painful median nerve stimulation, the amplitudes of P170 and N280 appeared to be attenuated significantly, 2D topography exhibited tremendous decrease of cortical activation between 120 ms and 296 ms in latency, and visual analogue scale (VAS) changes also showed a similar pattern to the change of amplitude. The bilateral anterior cingulated cortex recruited following acupoint stimuli might, to some extent, suggest that EA has the specific physiological effects. Decrease of pain-induced cortical activation by EA acupoint was considered to be mainly due to an interaction of the signals in anterior cingulated cortex ascending from the pain stimulation and EA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zeng
- Department of Neurobiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13, Hangkong Rd., 430030 Wuhan, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ogata A, Sugenoya J, Nishimura N, Matsumoto T. Low and high frequency acupuncture stimulation inhibits mental stress-induced sweating in humans via different mechanisms. Auton Neurosci 2005; 118:93-101. [PMID: 15795182 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2004.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2004] [Revised: 09/23/2004] [Accepted: 11/23/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The effects of acupuncture stimulation at 5 Hz and 100 Hz on mental stress-induced sweating were analyzed, and the mechanisms involved were examined using the rate of sweat expulsion as an estimate of central sudomotor outflow. Mental arithmetic was imposed on 25 young healthy volunteers for 2 min before, during and after the stimulation. Acupuncture stimulation was delivered to either the Zusanli (leg) or Hegu (hand) acupoint, and the sweat rate was measured quantitatively during mental arithmetic on the palm or the sole, respectively. When stimulation at 5 Hz was applied to the Zusanli acupoint, the palmar sweat rate (paSR), rate of sweat expulsion (Fsw) and paSR/Fsw were reduced during the stimulation, whereas when it was applied to the Hegu acupoint, plantar SR (plSR) and Fsw were reduced, but plSR/Fsw was not altered. When stimulation at 100 Hz was applied to Zusanli, paSR and paSR/Fsw were reduced, but Fsw was unchanged whereas when it was applied to Hegu, neither plSR, Fsw nor plSR/Fsw was altered. The results suggest that acupuncture stimulation at 5 Hz affects both the supraspinal rhythm-generating mechanism and the mechanisms situated below (probably the spinal cord), whereas stimulation at 100 Hz only affects the mechanisms below the rhythm-generating mechanism. Thus, acupuncture stimulation at 5 Hz and at 100 Hz may reduce mental stress-induced sweating through different mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Ogata
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ma SX. Neurobiology of Acupuncture: Toward CAM. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2004; 1:41-47. [PMID: 15257325 PMCID: PMC442119 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/neh017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2003] [Accepted: 02/27/2004] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
It has long been accepted that acupuncture, puncturing and scraping needles at certain points on the body, can have analgesic and anesthetic effects, as well as therapeutic effects in the treatment of various diseases. This therapy, including acupuncture anesthesia, has drawn the attention of many investigators and become a research subject of international interest around the world. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the nervous system, neurotransmitters, endogenous substances and Jingluo (meridians) may respond to needling stimulation and electrical acupuncture. An abundance of information has now accumulated concerning the neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture, in relation to both neural pathways and neurotransmitters/hormonal factors that mediate autonomic regulation, pain relief and other therapeutics. Early studies demonstrated that the analgesic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) are mediated by opioid peptides in the periaqueductal gray. Recent evidence shows that nitric oxide plays an important role in mediating the cardiovascular responses to EA stimulation through the gracile nucleus-thalamic pathway. Other substances, including serotonin, catecholamines, inorganic chemicals and amino acids such as glutamate and alpha-aminobutyric acid (GABA), are proposed to mediate certain cardiovascular and analgesic effects of acupuncture, but at present their role is poorly understood. The increased interest in acupuncture health care has led to an ever-growing number of investigators pursuing research in the processes of the sense of needling touch, transduction of needling stimulation signals, stimulation parameters and placebos. In this Review, the evidence and understanding of the neurobiological processes of acupuncture research have been summarized with an emphasis on recent developments of nitric oxide mediating acupuncture signals through the dorsal medulla-thalamic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Xing Ma
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Torrance, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Stener-Victorin E, Kruse-Smidje C, Jung K. Comparison Between Electro-Acupuncture and Hydrotherapy, Both in Combination With Patient Education and Patient Education Alone, on the Symptomatic Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Hip. Clin J Pain 2004; 20:179-85. [PMID: 15100594 DOI: 10.1097/00002508-200405000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) and hydrotherapy, both in combination with patient education or with patient education alone, in the treatment of osteoarthritis in the hip. METHODS Forty-five patients, aged 42-86 years, with radiographic changes consistent with osteoarthritis in the hip, pain related to motion, pain on load, and ache were chosen. They were randomly allocated to EA, hydrotherapy, both in combination with patient education, or patient education alone. Outcome measures were the disability rating index (DRI), global self-rating index (GSI), and visual analogue scale (VAS). Assessments were done before the intervention and immediately after the last treatment and 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment. RESULTS Pain related to motion and pain on load was reduced up to 3 months after last the treatment in the hydrotherapy group and up to 6 months in the EA group. Ache during the day was significantly improved in both the EA and hydrotherapy group up to 3 months after the last treatment. Ache during the night was reduced in the hydrotherapy group up to 3 months after the last treatment and in the EA group up to 6 months after. Disability in functional activities was improved in EA and hydrotherapy groups up to 6 months after the last treatment. Quality of life was also improved in EA and hydrotherapy groups up to 3 months after the last treatment. There were no changes in the education group alone. DISCUSSION In conclusion, EA and hydrotherapy, both in combination with patient education, induce long-lasting effects, shown by reduced pain and ache and by increased functional activity and quality of life, as demonstrated by differences in the pre- and post-treatment assessments.
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhang WT, Jin Z, Cui GH, Zhang KL, Zhang L, Zeng YW, Luo F, Chen ACN, Han JS. Relations between brain network activation and analgesic effect induced by low vs. high frequency electrical acupoint stimulation in different subjects: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Brain Res 2003; 982:168-78. [PMID: 12915252 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(03)02983-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Two- or 100-Hz electrical acupoint stimulation (EAS) can induce analgesia via distinct central mechanisms. It has long been known that the extent of EAS analgesia showed tremendous difference among subjects. Functional MRI (fMRI) studies were performed to allocate the possible mechanisms underlying the frequency specificity as well as individual variability of EAS analgesia. In either frequencies, the averaged fMRI activation levels of bilateral secondary somatosensory area and insula, contralateral anterior cingulate cortex and thalamus were positively correlated with the EAS-induced analgesic effect across the subjects. In 2-Hz EAS group, positive correlations were observed in contralateral primary motor area, supplementary motor area, and ipsilateral superior temporal gyrus, while negative correlations were found in bilateral hippocampus. In 100-Hz EAS group, positive correlations were observed in contralateral inferior parietal lobule, ipsilateral anterior cingulate cortex, nucleus accumbens, and pons, while negative correlation was detected in contralateral amygdala. These results suggest that functional activities of certain brain areas might be correlated with the effect of EAS-induced analgesia, in a frequency-dependent dynamic. EAS-induced analgesia with low and high frequencies seems to be mediated by different, though overlapped, brain networks. The differential activations/de-activations in brain networks across subjects may provide a neurobiological explanation for the mechanisms of the induction and the individual variability of analgesic effect induced by EAS, or that of manual acupuncture as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ting Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Rd, Beijing 100083, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lin JG, Lo MW, Wen YR, Hsieh CL, Tsai SK, Sun WZ. The effect of high and low frequency electroacupuncture in pain after lower abdominal surgery. Pain 2002; 99:509-514. [PMID: 12406527 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3959(02)00261-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we examined the effects of preoperative electroacupuncture (EA) at classical bilateral acupuncture points (Zusanli, also known as ST-36) on postoperative pain and opioid-related side effects. One hundred healthy consenting women undergoing lower abdominal surgery were randomly assigned to four treatment regimens: Group I (n=25), control; Group II (n=25), sham-EA (needle insertion without electrical stimulation); Group III (n=25), low-EA (2 Hz of electrical stimulation); and Group IV (n=25), high-EA (100 Hz of electrical stimulation). EA groups received needle insertion with or without electrical stimulation 20 min prior to anesthesia. All patients received patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) of morphine postoperation. Postoperative pain was evaluated by recording (1). the time of the first required analgesic, (2). the number of PCA demands, (3). the total amount of morphine required by PCA, and (4) patients' VAS pain score. We found that the time of first analgesic requested was 10, 18, 28, and 28 min in the control, sham-, low-, and high-EA groups, respectively. During the first 24h, the total amount of morphine required was decreased by 21, 43 and 61% in the sham-, low- and high-EA groups, respectively. The incidence of nausea and dizziness during the first 24h after surgery was significantly reduced in both the low-EA and high-EA groups compared with the control and sham-EA groups. We also found that sham-EA exerts a beneficial effect with respect to its pain relieving quality but not the side effect profiles. Our findings demonstrates that preoperative treatment with low-EA and high-EA can reduce postoperative analgesic requirements and associated side effects in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaung-Geng Lin
- Acupuncture Research Center, China Medical College, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, China Medical College, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC Department of Anesthesiology, Shin-Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Internal Medicine of Chinese Medicine Department, China Medical College Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC Department of Anesthesiology, National Taiwan University Hospital College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Carlsson C. Acupuncture mechanisms for clinically relevant long-term effects--reconsideration and a hypothesis. Acupunct Med 2002; 20:82-99. [PMID: 12216606 DOI: 10.1136/aim.20.2-3.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
From the author's direct involvement in clinical research, the conclusion has been drawn that clinically relevant long-term pain relieving effects of acupuncture (>6 months) can be seen in a proportion of patients with nociceptive pain. The mechanisms behind such effects are considered in this paper. From the existing experimental data some important conclusions can be drawn: 1. Much of the animal research only represents short-term hypoalgesia probably induced by the mechanisms behind stress-induced analgesia (SIA) and the activation of diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC). 2. Almost all experimental acupuncture research has been performed with electro-acupuncture (EA) even though therapeutic acupuncture is mostly gentle manual acupuncture (MA). 3. Most of the experimental human acupuncture pain threshold (PT) research shows only fast and very short-term hypoalgesia, and, importantly, PT elevation in humans does not predict the clinical outcome. 4. The effects of acupuncture may be divided into two main components--acupuncture analgesia and therapeutic acupuncture. A hypothesis on the mechanisms of therapeutic acupuncture will include: 1. Peripheral events that might improve tissue healing and give rise to local pain relief through axon reflexes, the release of neuropeptides with trophic effects, dichotomising nerve fibres and local endorphins. 2. Spinal mechanisms, for example, gate-control, long-term depression, propriospinal inhibition and the balance between long-term depression and long-term potentiation. 3. Supraspinal mechanisms through the descending pain inhibitory system, DNIC, the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA-axis. Is oxytocin also involved in the long-term effects? 4. Cortical, psychological, "placebo" mechanisms from counselling, reassurance and anxiety reduction.
Collapse
|
31
|
|
32
|
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Pascoe
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Siedentopf CM, Golaszewski SM, Mottaghy FM, Ruff CC, Felber S, Schlager A. Functional magnetic resonance imaging detects activation of the visual association cortex during laser acupuncture of the foot in humans. Neurosci Lett 2002; 327:53-6. [PMID: 12098499 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(02)00383-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of laser acupuncture on cerebral activation. Using functional magnetic imaging (fMRI) cortical activations during laser acupuncture at the left foot (Bladder 67) and dummy acupuncture, were compared employing a block design in ten healthy male volunteers. All experiments were done on a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance scanner equipped with a circular polarized head coil. During laser acupuncture, we found activation in the cuneus corresponding to Brodmann Area (BA) 18 and the medial occipital gyrus (BA 19) of the ipsilateral visual cortex. Placebo stimulation did not show any activation. We could demonstrate that laser acupuncture of a specific acupoint, empirically related to ophthalmic disorders, leads to activation of visual brain areas, whereas placebo acupuncture does not. These results indicate that fMRI has the potential to elucidate effects of acupuncture on brain activity.
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
Traditional acupuncture has been used for treating a variety of health conditions. In contrast, Western physicians limited acupuncture to the alleviation of pain. Concomitant with a recent view that not all kinds of pain are within the reach of acupuncture-induced relief, it has been suggested that some conditions other than pain can be effectively treated by this method. Increased release of the neuropeptide beta-endorphin was proposed to explain the antinociceptive function of acupuncture. Even if correct beta-endorphin cannot account for the effect of acupuncture in other conditions. Endorphins might be interacting with cytokines, some of which (e.g. interleukin-10) downregulate the inflammatory component of disorders in which acupuncture may be useful. We present a speculative notion of the view that acupuncture may amplify the interaction between neuropeptides and cytokines. A non-invasive approach, such as immune-committed cells harvested from blood of acupuncture-treated patients, could be used to examine this hypothesis. Inclusion of a placebo group might support the credibility of acupuncture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan L Bonta
- Pharmacology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hsieh JC, Tu CH, Chen FP, Chen MC, Yeh TC, Cheng HC, Wu YT, Liu RS, Ho LT. Activation of the hypothalamus characterizes the acupuncture stimulation at the analgesic point in human: a positron emission tomography study. Neurosci Lett 2001; 307:105-8. [PMID: 11427311 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(01)01952-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We performed a positron emission tomography study, using regional cerebral blood flow as the index of brain activity, to address the specificity of brain activation pattern by acupuncture stimulation of short duration at the classical analgesic point. Needling manipulation at 2 Hz was performed at a classical point of prominent analgesic efficacy (Li 4, Heku) and a near-by non-classical/non-analgesic point, respectively, in normal subjects. Regions activated by acupuncture stimulation at Li 4 included the hypothalamus with an extension to midbrain, the insula, the anterior cingulate cortex, and the cerebellum. Of note, it was only the stimulation at Li 4 that activated the hypothalamus under the similar psychophysical ratings of acupuncture sensation (deqi) as elicited by the stimulation at the two points, respectively. The data suggested that the hypothalamus might characterize the central expression of acupuncture stimulation at the classical analgesic point and serve as one key element in mediating analgesic efficacy of acupuncture stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J C Hsieh
- Integrated Brain Research Unit, Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Section 2, Shih-Pai Road, 112, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bueno EA, Mamtani R, Frishman WH. Alternative approaches to the medical management of angina pectoris: acupuncture, electrical nerve stimulation, and spinal cord stimulation. HEART DISEASE (HAGERSTOWN, MD.) 2001; 3:236-41. [PMID: 11975800 DOI: 10.1097/00132580-200107000-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Complementary or alternative modalities of medical treatment have been gaining attention as primary or supplementary therapies in cardiovascular disease pain management. However, definitive research in these areas has been limited by the inability to perform placebo-controlled trials when evaluating these treatments. Preliminary studies have suggested a possible benefit from acupuncture, electrical nerve stimulation, and spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of patients with angina pectoris and coronary artery disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E A Bueno
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wang B, Luo F, Xia YQ, Han JS. Peripheral electric stimulation inhibits morphine-induced place preference in rats. Neuroreport 2000; 11:1017-20. [PMID: 10790875 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-200004070-00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Conditioned place preference (CPP) is a commonly used model to detect rewarding effect of drugs. To observe the effect of peripheral electric stimulation (PES) on morphine-induced CPP, we trained the rats with morphine in a CPP paradigm. Twelve hours before the testing phase, rats were given PES via stainless-steel needles with frequencies of 2, 100, or 2/100 Hz, respectively. PES of 2 and 2/100 Hz significantly decreased CPP in morphine-trained animals in a naloxone reversible manner, while PES of 100 Hz, foot shock, needle insertion, or plain restraining, showed no effect. Thus, PES with a low-frequency component (2 Hz) could specifically inhibit the expression of morphine-induced CPP, presumably via activation of opioid receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Wang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Beijing Medical University, P.R. China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Wu MT, Hsieh JC, Xiong J, Yang CF, Pan HB, Chen YC, Tsai G, Rosen BR, Kwong KK. Central nervous pathway for acupuncture stimulation: localization of processing with functional MR imaging of the brain--preliminary experience. Radiology 1999; 212:133-41. [PMID: 10405732 DOI: 10.1148/radiology.212.1.r99jl04133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize the central nervous system (CNS) pathway for acupuncture stimulation in the human brain by using functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Functional MR imaging of the whole brain was performed in two groups of nine healthy subjects during four stimulation paradigms: real acupuncture at acupoints ST.36 (on the leg) and LI.4 (on the hand) and control stimulations (minimal acupuncture and superficial pricking on the leg). Stimulations were performed in semirandomized, balanced order nested within two experiments. Psychophysical responses (pain, De-Qi effect [characteristic acupuncture effect of needle-manipulation sensation], anxiety, and unpleasantness) and autonomic responses were assessed. Talairach coordinates-transformed imaging data were averaged for a group analysis. RESULTS Acupuncture at LI.4 and ST.36 resulted in significantly higher scores for De-Qi and in substantial bradycardia. Acupuncture at both acupoints resulted in activation of the hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens and deactivation of the rostral part of the anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala formation, and hippocampal complex; control stimulations did not result in such activations and deactivations. CONCLUSION Functional MR imaging can demonstrate the CNS pathway for acupuncture stimulation. Acupuncture at ST.36 and LI.4 activates structures of descending antinociceptive pathway and deactivates multiple limbic areas subserving pain association. These findings may shed light on the CNS mechanism of acupuncture analgesia and form a basis for future investigations of endogenous pain modulation circuits in the human brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M T Wu
- Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Romita VV, Yashpal K, Hui-Chan CW, Henry JL. Intense peripheral electrical stimulation evokes brief and persistent inhibition of the nociceptive tail withdrawal reflex in the rat. Brain Res 1997; 761:192-202. [PMID: 9252016 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(97)00250-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In a study of modulation of nociception by sensory inputs, electrical stimulation was applied to specific sites in the hindlimb and effects on the nociceptive tail withdrawal reflex were monitored in the lightly anaesthetized rat. Stimulation was applied to previously defined sites in the hindlimb, meridian points femur-futu (ST-32), fengshi (GB-31) and zusanli (ST-36). It consisted of a 4 Hz train of 2 ms square pulses given for 20 min at 20 x the threshold intensity required for muscle twitch. Tail withdrawal was provoked by application of a noxious heat stimulus applied to the tip of the tail. Results were expressed as a percentage of the maximal possible inhibition which is achieved when the post-treatment latency is 2 x the pre-treatment latency otherwise known as the cut off. During stimulation, the latency of the withdrawal increased to approximately 70% of the maximal possible inhibition. Following stimulation, the inhibition persisted for > 1 h. Stimulation at 2 or 6 Hz elicited similar effects but stimulation at 8 Hz evoked inhibition during the stimulation only. Stimulation applied to sites away from defined meridian points inhibited tail withdrawal during the stimulation; no post-stimulation effect was produced. In acutely transected animals (< or = 48 h), stimulation of meridian points elicited a small, brief increase in latency but during stimulation only. At 7 and 14 days after spinal transection, this response during stimulation was greater in magnitude and a brief post-stimulation increase was also observed. The return of this latter effect was coincident with the return of bladder function. These data suggest that high intensity, low frequency electrical stimulation of hindlimb meridian points in the lightly anaesthetized rat produces both brief and persistent inhibitory effects on the nociceptive tail withdrawal reflex. These effects appear to be elicited by different mechanisms. The persistent effect may represent a plastic change in central inhibitory mechanisms. Data from spinal animals indicate a major participation of supraspinal structures but that spinal mechanisms are also capable of sustaining both types of effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V V Romita
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Que., Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Guo HF, Tian J, Wang X, Fang Y, Hou Y, Han J. Brain substrates activated by electroacupuncture of different frequencies (I): Comparative study on the expression of oncogene c-fos and genes coding for three opioid peptides. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 1996; 43:157-66. [PMID: 9037529 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-328x(96)00170-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Low and high frequency electroacupuncture (EA)-produced analgesia have been shown to be mediated by different brain substrates and different opioid peptides. In this study, Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI) and in situ hybridization of the three opioid mRNAs were used to examine the effect of low (2 Hz) and high (100 Hz) frequency EA on neuronal activities, and the expression of opioid genes. 2 Hz and 100 Hz EA induced a markedly different spatial patterns of Fos expression in the rat brain, suggesting there are distinct neuronal pathways underlying EA of different frequencies. Likewise, 2 Hz and 100 Hz EA exert differential effects on opioid gene expression: while 2 Hz EA induced a more extensive and intensive preproenkephalin (PPE) mRNA expression than 100 Hz EA, it had no effect on preprodynorphin (PPD) mRNA expression which was significantly increased by 100 Hz EA stimulation. In contrast, EA of both frequencies did not affect POMC mRNA expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H F Guo
- Neuroscience Research Center, Beijing Medical University, People's Republic of China.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Bach FW, Yaksh TL. Release into ventriculo-cisternal perfusate of beta-endorphin- and Met-enkephalin-immunoreactivity: effects of electrical stimulation in the arcuate nucleus and periaqueductal gray of the rat. Brain Res 1995; 690:167-76. [PMID: 8535833 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(95)00600-u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
To examine the resting and evoked release of the endogenous opioid peptides beta-endorphin and Met-enkephalin from brain, we examined the levels of the respective immunoreactivities in the lateral ventricle-cisterna magna perfusate of the halothane-anesthetized rat. Ten Hz but not 100 Hz stimulation in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus released beta-endorphin immunoreactivity (beta-EPir) to the perfusate, whereas 100 Hz but not 10 Hz stimulation in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) of the mid brain released Met-enkephalin immunoreactivity (MEir). MEir was not released by stimulation in ARC and beta-EPir was not released by stimulation in PAG. Characterization of the released beta-EPir and MEir by high performance liquid chromatography showed that authentic beta-endorphin and Met-enkephalin were the major constituents of beta-EPir and MEir, respectively. Systemic administration of the dopaminergic antagonist haloperidol increased plasma, but not perfusate levels of beta-EPir. Both the opioid antagonist naloxone and the NMDA antagonist MK-801 failed to affect beta-EPir or MEir release. ARC and PAG stimulated inhibited a nociceptive reflex (tail-dip in 52.5 degrees C water), and naloxone did not reliably reverse this inhibition. These data support the previously suggested possibility of opioid mediation of stimulation induced analgesia, although we were unable to confirm the theory by naloxone reversibility in this study. Furthermore, the data support the assumption that measurement of opioid peptides in cerebrospinal fluid is a relevant approach in research aimed at elucidating the physiological and pathophysiological roles of endogenous opioid peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F W Bach
- Anesthesiology Research Laboratory, University of California San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0818, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Andersson S, Lundeberg T. Acupuncture--from empiricism to science: functional background to acupuncture effects in pain and disease. Med Hypotheses 1995; 45:271-81. [PMID: 8569551 DOI: 10.1016/0306-9877(95)90117-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a system with an empirical basis which has been used in the treatment and prevention of disease for centuries. A lack of scientific studies to prove or disprove its claimed effects led to rejection by many of the western scientific community. Now that the mechanisms can be partly explained in terms of endogenous pain inhibitory systems, the integration of acupuncture with conventional medicine may be possible. Its use for pain relief has been supported by clinical trials and this has facilitated its acceptance in pain clinics in most countries. Acupuncture effects must devolve from physiological and/or psychological mechanisms with biological foundations, and needle stimulation could represent the artificial activation of systems obtained by natural biological effects in functional situations. Acupuncture and some other forms of sensory stimulation elicit similar effects in man and other mammals, suggesting that they bring about fundamental physiological changes. Acupuncture excites receptors or nerve fibres in the stimulated tissue which are also physiologically activated by strong muscle contractions and the effects on certain organ functions are similar to those obtained by protracted exercise. Both exercise and acupuncture produce rhythmic discharges in nerve fibres, and cause the release of endogenous opioids and oxytocin essential to the induction of functional changes in different organ systems. Beta-endorphin levels, important in pain control as well as in the regulation of blood pressure and body temperature, have been observed to rise in the brain tissue of animals after both acupuncture and strong exercise. Experimental and clinical evidence suggest that acupuncture may affect the sympathetic system via mechanisms at the hypothalamic and brainstem levels, and that the hypothalamic beta-endorphinergic system has inhibitory effects on the vasomotorcenter, VMC. Post-stimulatory sympathetic inhibition which proceeds to a maximum after a few hours and can be sustained for more than 12 hours, has been demonstrated in both man and animals. Experimental and clinical studies suggest that afferent input in somatic nerve fibres has a significant effect on autonomic functions. Hypothetically, the physiological counterpart lies in physical exercise, and the effect can be artificially reproduced via various types of electrical or manual stimulation of certain nerve fibres.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Andersson
- Department of Physiology, University of Göteborg, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Pitcher GM, Yashpal K, Coderre TJ, Henry JL. Mechanisms underlying antinociception provoked by heterosegmental noxious stimulation in the rat tail-flick test. Neuroscience 1995; 65:273-81. [PMID: 7753401 DOI: 10.1016/0306-4522(94)00477-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Physiological studies were conducted to examine the effects of noxious stimulation of one hindpaw or one forepaw on the latency of the withdrawal reflex in the tail-flick test in lightly anesthetized spinally intact or transected rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with an intraperitoneal injection of a mixture of Na-pentobarbital (20 mg/kg) and chloral hydrate (120 mg/kg). After baseline readings were taken in the tail-flick test, the effects of various noxious stimuli applied to remote body regions were assessed. The noxious stimuli included unilateral or bilateral hindpaw or unilateral forepaw thermal (immersion in water at 55 degrees C for 90 s), unilateral or bilateral chemical (subcutaneous hindpaw injection of 50 microliters of 5% formalin) and unilateral or bilateral mechanical (pinch with clamp exerting a force of 14.75 or 27 N) stimulation. Bilateral chemical and thermal, and unilateral thermal stimulation induced an antinociceptive response, consisting of an increase in tail-flick latency, peaking at 30 s after stimulation. Recovery to baseline levels occurred over the next 3-6 min. The antinociceptive effect of noxious thermal stimulation was attenuated or absent in chronically spinalized animals (T6/7) following hindpaw or forepaw immersion, respectively. Noxious mechanical stimulation had no effect on tail-flick latency. The data provide evidence that a noxious thermal or chemical stimulus produces a heterosegmental antinociceptive effect which is mediated in part via a supraspinal mechanism and in part via a local spinal mechanism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Pitcher
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
|
45
|
Lovick TA. Integrated activity of cardiovascular and pain regulatory systems: role in adaptive behavioural responses. Prog Neurobiol 1993; 40:631-44. [PMID: 8484005 DOI: 10.1016/0301-0082(93)90036-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- T A Lovick
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, Birmingham, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Lee JH, Beitz AJ. Electroacupuncture modifies the expression of c-fos in the spinal cord induced by noxious stimulation. Brain Res 1992; 577:80-91. [PMID: 1521149 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(92)90540-p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the effect of 4 Hz vs. 100 Hz electroacupuncture (EA) on c-fos expression in the spinal cord induced by noxious stimulation (NS). A second objective was to evaluate the sensitivity of these two different frequencies of EA stimulation to the opiate antagonist, naloxone. Mechanical NS was applied to the right hindpaw following 30 min of either 4 Hz or 100 Hz EA treatment and the resulting c-fos expression in the spinal cord dorsal horn was compared to that obtained in rats exposed only to the noxious stimulation. The involvement of endogenous opioids in the EA response to 4 Hz or 100 Hz stimulation frequencies was evaluated by pretreating rats with naloxone (5 mg/kg, i.p.) 10 min prior to EA. Both 4 Hz and 100 Hz EA reduced the number of c-fos-immunoreactive neurons in the spinal dorsal horn induced by noxious stimulation by 58% and 50%, respectively. The suppression of c-fos expression induced by 4 Hz EA was completely reversed by prior treatment with naloxone. On the other hand, the suppression of c-fos induced by 100 Hz EA was only partially blocked by this opiate antagonist. These data indicate that both high- and low-frequency EA are capable of inhibiting the expression of c-fos in the dorsal horn induced by NS. Low-frequency EA appears to be mediated primarily by endogenous opioid systems, while non-opioid mechanisms may be involved in mediating the analgesic effect of high frequency EA. These results support the hypothesis that EA has a direct inhibitory effect on spinal cord dorsal horn neurons and extend the results of previous studies which indicate low frequency EA is mediated by opiate sensitive circuitry, while high frequency EA is predominantly mediated by non-opioid neurotransmitters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J H Lee
- Department of Veterinary Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Febrifugal activity of acupuncture and its potentiation by propranolol. Bull Exp Biol Med 1992. [DOI: 10.1007/bf00783118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
48
|
Wang QA, Mao LM, Han JS. Analgesia from electrical stimulation of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. Brain Res 1990; 526:221-7. [PMID: 2257483 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(90)91225-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of noxious heat-induced tail flick by electrical stimulation of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) was examined and characterized in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. Systematic mapping studies revealed that inhibition of the tail flick reflex could be induced by stimulating widespread areas in the ventromedial parts of the hypothalamus, which include the paraventricular nucleus, ventromedial nucleus, dorsomedial nucleus, anterior hypothalamic area as well as the ARH areas. The ARH stimulation-produced tail flick suppression could be completely blocked by systemic naloxone (2 mg/kg) which shows the involvement of an opiate mechanism in this effect. Although the tail flick reflex in the lightly anesthetized state is of significantly shorter latency than in the unanesthetized state, thresholds of the ARH stimulation for suppressing spinal nociceptive reflexes in the lightly anesthetized state were not significantly different from the thresholds at the same ARH sites in the awake state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Q A Wang
- Department of Physiology, Beijing Medical University, People's Republic of China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Mao LM, Han JS. Peptide antagonist of delta-opioid receptor attenuates inhibition of spinal nociceptive reflex induced by stimulation of arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Peptides 1990; 11:1045-7. [PMID: 2178247 DOI: 10.1016/0196-9781(90)90032-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In lightly pentobarbital-anesthetized and acutely prepared rats, electrical stimulation within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) consistently inhibited the tail-flick responses to noxious heating of the tail. The peptide ICI174864, a delta-opioid receptor antagonist applied intrathecally at the lumbar level at a dose of 1 nmol, markedly attenuated this inhibition without affecting the baseline nociceptive threshold. Normal saline injected by the same approach had no effect on the ARH inhibitory modulation. This is the first report showing an involvement of the delta-opioid receptor in the descending inhibition of spinal nociceptive reflex resulting from ARH stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L M Mao
- Department of Physiology, Beijing Medical University, People's Republic of China
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Wang Q, Mao L, Han J. Analgesic electrical stimulation of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus: tolerance and its cross-tolerance to 2 Hz or 100 Hz electroacupuncture. Brain Res 1990; 518:40-6. [PMID: 2390726 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(90)90951-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Focal electrical stimulation of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) for 5 min (1 session) produced a marked elevation of tail flick latency (TFL) to noxious heat in the pentobarbital-anesthetized rat. Repeated stimulation for a total of 11 sessions at 30 min intervals resulted in a gradual decline in the hypoalgesic action, and this tolerance may last for 7 days. Tolerance to the ARH analgesic stimulation reduced the analgesia produced by low (2 Hz) but not high (100 Hz) frequency electroacupuncture (EA); and tolerance to low frequency EA analgesia attenuated the ARH stimulation-produced analgesia without affecting high frequency EA analgesia. Alternatively, rats tolerant to high-frequency EA analgesia were still sensitive to either the ARH or low-frequency EA stimulation. These results suggest that the ARH stimulation and low-frequency EA administration produced analgesia via a common neural mechanism, supporting our hypothesis put forward previously that the ARH plays an important role in mediating low- but not high-frequency EA analgesia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Q Wang
- Department of Physiology, Beijing Medical University, People's Republic of China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|