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Chang YC, Chen CM, Lay IS, Lee YC, Tu CH. The effects of laser acupuncture dosage at PC6 (Neiguan) on brain reactivity: a pilot resting-state fMRI study. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1264217. [PMID: 37901421 PMCID: PMC10600496 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1264217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies indicated that laser acupuncture (LA) may effectively treat various medical conditions. However, brain responses associated with LA intervention have not been fully investigated. This study is focused on the effect of LA with different energy density (ED) in brain using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We hypothesized that different ED would elicit various brain responses. We enrolled healthy adults participants and selected bilateral PC6 (Neiguan) as the intervention points. LA was applied, respectively, with ED of 0, 7.96, or 23.87 J/cm2. Two 500-s resting-state fMRI scans were acquired before and after intervention, respectively. The functional connectivity (FC) was calculated between autonomic nerve system-regulation associated brainstem structures and other brain regions. Compared to other dosages, the FC between rostral ventrolateral medulla and orbitofrontal cortex has more enhanced; the FC between caudal ventrolateral medulla, nucleus of the solitary tract/nucleus ambiguus, and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and somatosensory area has more weakened when ED was 23.87 J/cm2. Different dosages of LA have demonstrated varied regions of FC changes between regions of interest and other brain areas, which indicated that variations in EDs might influence the clinical efficacy and subsequent impacts through distinct neural pathways within the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chuan Chang
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ming Chen
- Department of Medical Imaging, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ing-Shiow Lay
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Lee
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hao Tu
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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2
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Su N, Cai P, Dou Z, Yin X, Xu H, He J, Li Z, Li C. Brain nuclei and neural circuits in neuropathic pain and brain modulation mechanisms of acupuncture: a review on animal-based experimental research. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1243231. [PMID: 37712096 PMCID: PMC10498311 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1243231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is known to be associated with abnormal changes in specific brain regions, but the complex neural network behind it is vast and complex and lacks a systematic summary. With the help of various animal models of NP, a literature search on NP brain regions and circuits revealed that the related brain nuclei included the periaqueductal gray (PAG), lateral habenula (LHb), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC); the related brain circuits included the PAG-LHb and mPFC-ACC. Moreover, acupuncture and injurious information can affect different brain regions and influence brain functions via multiple aspects to play an analgesic role and improve synaptic plasticity by regulating the morphology and structure of brain synapses and the expression of synapse-related proteins; maintain the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurons by regulating the secretion of glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and other neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain tissues; inhibit the overactivation of glial cells and reduce the release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukins to reduce neuroinflammation in brain regions; maintain homeostasis of glucose metabolism and regulate the metabolic connections in the brain; and play a role in analgesia through the mediation of signaling pathways and signal transduction molecules. These factors help to deepen the understanding of NP brain circuits and the brain mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Su
- First Clinical Medicine College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Pingping Cai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Zhiqiang Dou
- College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoxue Yin
- Department of Science and Education, Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hongmin Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Laiwu Hospital of Traditional Chinese, Jinan, China
| | - Jing He
- First Clinical Medicine College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaofeng Li
- College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- International Office, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Changzhong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
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Lee MT, Mackie K, Chiou LC. Alternative pain management via endocannabinoids in the time of the opioid epidemic: Peripheral neuromodulation and pharmacological interventions. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:894-909. [PMID: 34877650 PMCID: PMC9170838 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of opioids in pain management is hampered by the emergence of analgesic tolerance, which leads to increased dosing and side effects, both of which have contributed to the opioid epidemic. One promising potential approach to limit opioid analgesic tolerance is activating the endocannabinoid system in the CNS, via activation of CB1 receptors in the descending pain inhibitory pathway. In this review, we first discuss preclinical and clinical evidence revealing the potential of pharmacological activation of CB1 receptors in modulating opioid tolerance, including activation by phytocannabinoids, synthetic CB1 receptor agonists, endocannabinoid degradation enzyme inhibitors, and recently discovered positive allosteric modulators of CB1 receptors. On the other hand, as non-pharmacological pain relief is advocated by the US-NIH to combat the opioid epidemic, we also discuss contributions of peripheral neuromodulation, involving the electrostimulation of peripheral nerves, in addressing chronic pain and opioid tolerance. The involvement of supraspinal endocannabinoid systems in peripheral neuromodulation-induced analgesia is also discussed. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Grants
- MOST 108-2321-B-002-005 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- MOST 107-2811-B-002-008 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- R01 DA041229 NIDA NIH HHS
- MOST 107-2321-B-002-010 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- R01 DA047858 NIDA NIH HHS
- 107M4022-3 Ministry of Education, Taiwan
- MOST 106-2321-B-002-019 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- NHRI-EX111-11114NI National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan
- FRGS/1/2021/WAB13/UCSI/02/1 Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia
- R21 DA042584 NIDA NIH HHS
- REIG-FPS-2020/065 UCSI University Research Excellence and Innovation Grant, Malaysia
- NHRI-EX109-10733NI National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan
- MOST 104-2745-B-002-004 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- MOST 109-2320-B-002-042-MY3 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- MOST 107-2811-B-002 -008 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- MOST 108-2320-B-002-029-MY3 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Tatt Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Ken Mackie
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
| | - Lih-Chu Chiou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
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Zhou M, Zhang Q, Huo M, Song H, Chang H, Cao J, Fang Y, Zhang D. The mechanistic basis for the effects of electroacupuncture on neuropathic pain within the central nervous system. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114516. [PMID: 36921535 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nociceptive signaling responses to painful stimuli are transmitted to the central nervous system (CNS) from the afferent nerves of the periphery through a series of neurotransmitters and associated signaling mechanisms. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a pain management strategy that is widely used, with clinical evidence suggesting that a frequency of 2-10 Hz is better able to suppress neuropathic pain in comparison to higher frequencies such as 100 Hz. While EA is widely recognized as a viable approach to alleviating neuralgia, the mechanistic basis underlying such analgesic activity remains poorly understood. The present review offers an overview of current research pertaining to the mechanisms whereby EA can alleviate neuropathic pain in the CNS, with a particular focus on the serotonin/norepinephrine, endogenous opioid, endogenous cannabinoid, amino acid neurotransmitter, and purinergic pathways. Moreover, the corresponding neurotransmitters, neuromodulatory compounds, neuropeptides, and associated receptors that shape these responses are discussed. Together, this review seeks to provide a robust foundation for further studies of the EA-mediated alleviation of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhou
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Qingxiang Zhang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Mingzhu Huo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Huijun Song
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Hongen Chang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Jiaojiao Cao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Yuxin Fang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China.
| | - Di Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China.
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Lee MT, Peng WH, Kan HW, Wu CC, Wang DW, Ho YC. Neurobiology of Depression: Chronic Stress Alters the Glutamatergic System in the Brain-Focusing on AMPA Receptor. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051005. [PMID: 35625742 PMCID: PMC9138646 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder affecting the mood and mental well-being. Its pathophysiology remains elusive due to the complexity and heterogeneity of this disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Chronic stress is frequently cited as the one of the risk factors for MDD. To date, the conventional monoaminergic theory (serotonin, norepinephrine, and/or dopamine dysregulation) has received the most attention in the treatment of MDD, and all available classes of antidepressants target these monoaminergic systems. However, the contributions of other neurotransmitter systems in MDD have been widely reported. Emerging preclinical and clinical findings reveal that maladaptive glutamatergic neurotransmission might underlie the pathophysiology of MDD, thus revealing its critical role in the neurobiology of MDD and as the therapeutic target. Aiming beyond the monoaminergic hypothesis, studies of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the stress-induced impairment of AMPA (a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid)-glutamatergic neurotransmission in the brain could provide novel insights for the development of a new generation of antidepressants without the detrimental side effects. Here, the authors reviewed the recent literature focusing on the role of AMPA-glutamatergic neurotransmission in stress-induced maladaptive responses in emotional and mood-associated brain regions, including the hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens and periaqueductal gray.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Tatt Lee
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Wei-Hao Peng
- School of Medicine for International Students, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City 82445, Taiwan; (W.-H.P.); (H.-W.K.)
| | - Hung-Wei Kan
- School of Medicine for International Students, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City 82445, Taiwan; (W.-H.P.); (H.-W.K.)
| | - Cheng-Chun Wu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City 82445, Taiwan; (C.-C.W.); (D.-W.W.)
| | - Deng-Wu Wang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City 82445, Taiwan; (C.-C.W.); (D.-W.W.)
- Department of Psychiatry, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung City 82445, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Ho
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City 82445, Taiwan; (C.-C.W.); (D.-W.W.)
- Correspondence:
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Cui X, Sun G, Cao H, Liu Q, Liu K, Wang S, Zhu B, Gao X. Referred Somatic Hyperalgesia Mediates Cardiac Regulation by the Activation of Sympathetic Nerves in a Rat Model of Myocardial Ischemia. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:386-402. [PMID: 35471719 PMCID: PMC9068860 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00841-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial ischemia (MI) causes somatic referred pain and sympathetic hyperactivity, and the role of sensory inputs from referred areas in cardiac function and sympathetic hyperactivity remain unclear. Here, in a rat model, we showed that MI not only led to referred mechanical hypersensitivity on the forelimbs and upper back, but also elicited sympathetic sprouting in the skin of the referred area and C8-T6 dorsal root ganglia, and increased cardiac sympathetic tone, indicating sympathetic-sensory coupling. Moreover, intensifying referred hyperalgesic inputs with noxious mechanical, thermal, and electro-stimulation (ES) of the forearm augmented sympathetic hyperactivity and regulated cardiac function, whereas deafferentation of the left brachial plexus diminished sympathoexcitation. Intradermal injection of the α2 adrenoceptor (α2AR) antagonist yohimbine and agonist dexmedetomidine in the forearm attenuated the cardiac adjustment by ES. Overall, these findings suggest that sensory inputs from the referred pain area contribute to cardiac functional adjustment via peripheral α2AR-mediated sympathetic-sensory coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Cui
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Guang Sun
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.,Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Honglei Cao
- Department of Cardiology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, 272100, Shandong, China
| | - Qun Liu
- Department of Needling Manipulation, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Shuya Wang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Bing Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Xinyan Gao
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
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7
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MacDonald IJ, Chen YH. The Endocannabinoid System Contributes to Electroacupuncture Analgesia. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:594219. [PMID: 33679287 PMCID: PMC7930225 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.594219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The extensive involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in vital physiological and cognitive processes of the human body has inspired many investigations into the role of the ECS and drugs, and therapies that target this system and its receptors. Activation of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) by cannabinoid treatments, including synthetic cannabinoids, alleviates behavioral responses to inflammatory and neuropathic pain. An increasing body of scientific evidence details how electroacupuncture (EA) treatments achieve effective analgesia and reduce inflammation by modulating cannabinoid signaling, without the adverse effects resulting from synthetic cannabinoid administration. CB1 receptors in the ventrolateral area of the periaqueductal gray are critically important for the mechanisms of the EA antinociceptive effect, while peripheral CB2 receptors are related to the anti-inflammatory effects of EA. This review explores the evidence detailing the endocannabinoid mechanisms involved in EA antinociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iona J MacDonald
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Photonics and Communication Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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