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Hu X, Yuan M, Yin Y, Wang Y, Li Y, Zhang N, Sun X, Yu Z, Xu B. Electroacupuncture at LI11 promotes jejunal motility via the parasympathetic pathway. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:329. [PMID: 28637453 PMCID: PMC5480127 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1826-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal motility disorder has been demonstrated to be regulated by acupuncture treatment. The mechanisms underlying the effects of acupuncture stimulation of abdominal and lower limb acupoints on gastrointestinal motility have been thoroughly studied; however, the physiology underlying the effects of acupuncture on the forelimbs to mediate gastrointestinal motility requires further exploration. The aim of this study was to determine whether electroacupuncture (EA) at LI11 promotes jejunal motility, whether the parasympathetic pathway participates in this effect, and if so, which somatic afferent nerve fibres are involved. METHODS A manometric balloon was used to observe jejunal motility. The effects and mechanisms of EA at LI11 were explored in male Sprague-Dawley rats with or without drug administration (propranolol, clenbuterol, acetylcholine, and atropine) and with or without vagotomy. Three types of male mice (β1β2 receptor-knockout [β1β2-/-] mice, M2M3 receptor-knockout [M2M3-/-] mice and wild-type [WT] mice) were also studied by using different EA intensities (1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 mA). A total of 72 rats and 56 mice were included in the study. RESULTS EA at LI11 increased the contractile amplitude of jejunal motility in the majority of both rats and mice. However, EA at LI11 did not enhance jejunal motility in rats administered atropine, rats that underwent vagotomy, and M2M3-/- mice (at all intensities). In WT mice, EA at LI11 significantly increased jejunal motility at all intensities except 1 mA, and a plateau was reached at intensities greater than 4 mA. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that EA at LI11 promotes jejunal motility primarily by exciting the parasympathetic pathway, and that Aδ-fibres and C-fibres may play important roles in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanming Hu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Constructed, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Mengqian Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Constructed, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Yin Yin
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Constructed, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Yidan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Constructed, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Yuqin Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Constructed, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Constructed, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Xueyi Sun
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Constructed, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Zhi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Constructed, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Bin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Constructed, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210023 China
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Electroacupuncture at ST37 Enhances Jejunal Motility via Excitation of the Parasympathetic System in Rats and Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:3840230. [PMID: 27818700 PMCID: PMC5080522 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3840230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background. The roles of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems in mediating the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST37 on jejunal motility have yet to be demonstrated. Aim. We used rats and mice to investigate the effect and mechanism of action of EA at ST37 on jejunal motility. Methods. Jejunal motility was recorded by a balloon placed in the jejunum and connected to a biological signal collection system through a transducer. The effects of EA (3 mA) at ST37 were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats without drugs and with the administration of clenbuterol, propranolol, acetylcholine, and atropine. Further, the efficacy of EA at different intensities (1/2/4/6/8 mA) was measured in wild-type mice and β1β2−/− mice and M2M3−/− mice. Results. In Sprague-Dawley rats, the excitatory effect of EA at ST37 on jejunal motility disappeared in the presence of the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine. EA at ST37 was less effective in M2M3−/− mice than in wild-type mice. Furthermore, to a certain extent, there existed “intensity-response” relationship between jejunal motility and EA. Conclusions. EA at ST37 can enhance jejunal motility in rats and mice mainly via excitation of the parasympathetic pathway. There is an “intensity-response” relationship between EA and effect on jejunal motility.
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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.
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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
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Electroacupuncture at ST25 Inhibits Cisapride-Induced Gastric Motility in an Intensity-Dependent Manner. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:3457025. [PMID: 26997963 PMCID: PMC4779844 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3457025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background. Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of frequency-specific EAS. However, evaluation of intensity-response effects is challenging and has yet to be addressed. Aims. Using cisapride to promote gastric emptying, we measured the intensity-response relationship of EA at ST25 on gastric motility. Methods. We determined the effects of EA at ST25 using intensities (0.5, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 mA) on gastric motility in rats injected with cisapride (0.2, 0.02, and 0.002 mg/kg). Results. Utilizing three concentrations of cisapride yielded significantly differing levels of gastric motility. Furthermore, log IC50 values for EAS were different within each group. Given the same EA intensity, cisapride antagonism decreased progressively in each group as a function of drug concentration. The relative amount of cisapride antagonized by EAS did not change in a linear fashion. Finally, EAS at different intensities within the three groups induced a similar pattern of cisapride antagonism. Conclusions. The ability of EAS to elicit a decrease in cisapride-induced gastric motility pressure was demonstrated in this study. The study encompasses construct validity to mirror individualized treatment being based on patients' subjective feelings, not on a set fixed EA intensity. Clinically utilizing EAS at the smallest intensity can achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
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Lee EJ, Warden S. The Effect of Acupressure on Chemotherapy-induced Nausea. EVIDENCE-BASED NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL THERAPIES FOR PALLIATIVE CANCER CARE 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-5833-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Pilkington K. Acupuncture Therapy for Psychiatric Illness. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2013; 111:197-216. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-411545-3.00010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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Modulatory effects of acupuncture on murine depression-like behavior following chronic systemic inflammation. Brain Res 2012; 1472:149-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Chen WL, Hsieh CL. Acupuncture research in Taiwan. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2012; 51:179-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2012.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Yang JL, Chen JSC, Yang YF, Chen JC, Lin CH, Chang RS, Tsao PJ, Chen FP, Chern CM, Tsai TH, Chiu JH. Neuroprotection effects of retained acupuncture in neurotoxin-induced Parkinson's disease mice. Brain Behav Immun 2011; 25:1452-9. [PMID: 21669281 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2011.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2011] [Revised: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of retained acupuncture (RA) in neurotoxin-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were injected with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to induce the PD model. The mice were divided into four groups, namely, (1) normal; (2) MPTP+retained acupuncture (RA); (3) MPTP+electroacupuncture (EA); (4) MPTP+sham acupuncture (SA). After mice being manipulated with/without acupuncture at acupoints (Daling, PC 7), groups 2-4 were injected with MPTP (15 mg/kg/d). The mice were evaluated for behavioral changes, in terms of time of landing, after acupuncture treatment. The animals were sacrificed and their brains assayed for dopamine and its metabolites and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression by using HPLC and immunohistochemistry/Western blotting, respectively. [(123)I] IBZM-SPECT imaging between SA and RA groups were compared. The results showed that the time of landing of the three groups with treatment was significant longer than group 1 (normal) (4.33±0.15 s). Nonetheless, group 2 (RA) (7.13±0.20 s) had a shorter time of landing than group 4 (SA) (7.89±0.46 s). The number of TH (+) neurons and the expression of TH proteins were significantly higher in the RA group than in the SA/EA groups. RA also increased the uptake of [(123)I] IBZM into the triatum compared to the SA group. We conclude that RA possibly attenuates neuronal damage in MPTP-induced PD mice, which suggests RA may be useful as a complementary strategy when treating human PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Lin Yang
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Stone JAM, Johnstone PAS. Mechanisms of Action for Acupuncture in the Oncology Setting. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2010; 11:118-27. [DOI: 10.1007/s11864-010-0128-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Catecholamine-storing cells at acupuncture points of rabbits. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2010; 1:83-90. [PMID: 20633459 DOI: 10.1016/s2005-2901(09)60027-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2008] [Accepted: 10/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that specific sites of the skin related to the acupoints contain a high concentration of catecholamines, especially noradrenaline (NA). Considering this newly discovered property of the acupoints we assumed that heterogeneous distribution of cutaneous catecholamines could be associated with a specific location of catecholamine-storing cells in acupoint sites. In the present work we used an immunohistochemical method and confocal laser scanning microscopy to examine the presence of catecholamine-storing cells at acupoints of rabbits. Double immunofluorescence staining with antibodies against adrenaline and NA revealed only the cells storing NA in the dermal layer of rabbit skin. NA-storing cells were randomly scattered as single cells as well as existing in small clusters in a globular tissue formation surrounded by blood vessels and capillaries. Microscopic analysis of histological sections also revealed that the distribution of NA-storing cells was closely associated with the location of acupoints. Thus results from our study strongly suggest that acupoint areas of rabbit skin contain catecholamine-storing cells which can release a high level of NA during acupuncture stimulation.
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Gapeyev AB, Mikhailik EN, Chemeris NK. Features of anti-inflammatory effects of modulated extremely high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. Bioelectromagnetics 2009; 30:454-61. [PMID: 19431156 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Using a model of acute zymosan-induced paw edema in NMRI mice, we test the hypothesis that anti-inflammatory effects of extremely high-frequency electromagnetic radiation (EHF EMR) can be essentially modified by application of pulse modulation with certain frequencies. It has been revealed that a single exposure of animals to continuous EHF EMR for 20 min reduced the exudative edema of inflamed paw on average by 19% at intensities of 0.1-0.7 mW/cm(2) and frequencies from the range of 42.2-42.6 GHz. At fixed effective carrier frequency of 42.2 GHz, the anti-inflammatory effect of EHF EMR did not depend on modulation frequencies, that is, application of different modulation frequencies from the range of 0.03-100 Hz did not lead to considerable changes in the effect level. On the contrary, at "ineffective" carrier frequencies of 43.0 and 61.22 GHz, the use of modulation frequencies of 0.07-0.1 and 20-30 Hz has allowed us to restore the effect up to a maximal level. The results obtained show the critical dependence of anti-inflammatory action of low-intensity EHF EMR on carrier and modulation frequencies. Within the framework of this study, the possibility of changing the level of expected biological effect of modulated EMR by a special selection of combination of carrier and modulation frequencies is confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Gapeyev
- Institute of Cell Biophysics of Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia.
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Lin JG, Chen WL. Review: Acupuncture Analgesia in Clinical Trials. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2009; 37:1-18. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x09006679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Acupuncture treatment has been accepted worldwide. Many clinical trials have been conducted especially in analgesia. The present review includes almost all the important trials since 1970. Among all the pain conditions, postoperative pain, lower back pain, osteoarthritis of the knee and chronic headache are the most popular topics. We found that there are diverse conclusions in each condition; however, most trials agree that acupuncture is an effective therapeutic strategy for analgesia. As with regard to the placebo effect, there is no consensus. In chronic headache treatment, the placebo effect of acupuncture seems to be large. However, in osteoarthritis, the placebo effect is minimal. Another issue is the non-specific physiologic response to piercing the skin. We believe that this effect produces analgesia in some heterogeneous syndrome such as lower back pain. However, this effect is not superior to the specific therapeutic effect of acupuncture based on TCM theory in all the pain conditions reviewed here. We also notice that the design of the sham acupuncture or the placebo has great impact on the result. Rigorous design can minimize the non-specific and placebo effects of acupuncture. Therefore, the real effect of acupuncture can be investigated well. We conclude that acupuncture is a proven treatment for relieving pain. This conclusion is based on specific effects of acupuncture rather than placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaung Geng Lin
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Wei Liang Chen
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taiwan
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Kim HW, Uh DK, Yoon SY, Roh DH, Kwon YB, Han HJ, Lee HJ, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Low-frequency electroacupuncture suppresses carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in mice via sympathetic post-ganglionic neurons, while high-frequency EA suppression is mediated by the sympathoadrenal medullary axis. Brain Res Bull 2008; 75:698-705. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2007.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2007] [Revised: 11/26/2007] [Accepted: 11/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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