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Tjen-A-Looi SC, Gong YD, Malik S. Does electroacupuncture reducing heart rate rebalance autonomic nervous system? J Neurophysiol 2024; 131:945-947. [PMID: 38656173 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00132.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Tjen-A-Looi
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of California Irvine California United States
| | - Yiwei D Gong
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of California Irvine California United States
| | - Shaista Malik
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of California Irvine California United States
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Yin X, Yu B, Hazlewood PJ, Xu K, Yue H, Mi Y, Xu S. Effect of electroacupuncture on discomfort during gastroscopy: A randomised controlled trial. Complement Ther Med 2023; 73:102936. [PMID: 36858243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal reactions, pain and discomfort are inevitable in patients undergoing common gastroscopy. Acupuncture is an effective therapy that assists in the perioperative period; however, evidence of it relieving discomfort is limited. We conducted this trial to observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on discomfort caused by gastroscopy without sedatives. METHODS This was a single-centre, patient-assessor blind, randomised controlled trial. Sixty patients requiring gastroscopy were randomly assigned to the EA and control groups (sham acupuncture, SA, group) in a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the EA group underwent treatment at acupoints LI4 (Hegu), PC6 (Neiguan), ST36 (Zusanli), and ST34 (Liangqiu) for 30 min before gastroscopy, whereas patients in the SA group underwent superficial acupuncture at non-acupoints. The patients' nausea level, throat discomfort, bucking, and agitation were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) within 30 min after gastroscopy. The mean VAS score was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Inventory Scale, used to evaluate patients' preoperative anxiety levels, and the 6-item State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S6), used to assess anxiety before and after gastroscopy. The patients' vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse oxygen saturation, were recorded before, during, and after gastroscopy. RESULTS At 30 min after gastroscopy, the mean VAS score in the EA group (4.20 ± 0.63) was lower than that in the control group (5.14 ± 0.70, mean difference (MD): - 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): - 1.28, - 0.59, P < 0.001). There were statistically significant between-group differences in the nausea and vomiting, throat discomfort and agitation VAS scores (all P < 0.01), whereas no difference was found in the bucking VAS score (P = 0.692). Compared with the SA group, patients in the EA group had a 6.90-point lower in STAI-S6 (95% CI: -12.98, -0.81, P = 0.027) after gastroscopy. Patients in the EA group had a slower heart rate and lower blood pressure than those in the SA group. Serious adverse events were not observed during the trial. CONCLUSION EA can help relieve patients' anxiety, and improve their nausea and vomiting, throat discomfort, and agitation during gastroscopy. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ID: ChiCTR2000040726.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Yin
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, China.
| | - Bingyu Yu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, China.
| | - Philippa Jemma Hazlewood
- International Education College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Kun Xu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, China.
| | - Hongyu Yue
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, China.
| | - Yiqun Mi
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, China.
| | - Shifen Xu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, China.
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Activation of 5-HT3 receptors in the medulla oblongata is involved in the phasic control of urinary bladder. Neurosci Lett 2022; 790:136886. [PMID: 36179901 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The control of micturition depends on reflex mechanisms, however, it undergoes modulation from cortex, pons and medullary areas. This study investigated if the activation of 5-HT3 receptors in the medulla influences the urinary bladder (UB) regulation in rats. Isoflurane female Wistar rats were submitted to catheterization of the femoral artery and vein for mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) recordings and injection of drugs, respectively. The UB was cannulated for intravesical pressure (IP) measurement. The Doppler flow probe was placed around the left renal artery for renal conductance (RC) recordings. Phenylbiguanide (PB) and granisetron (GN) were injected into the 4th brain ventricle in rats with guide cannulas implanted 5 days prior to the experiments; or PB and GN were randomly injected intravenously or applied topically (in situ) on the UB. PB injection into 4th V significantly increased IP (68.67 ± 11.70%) and decreased MAP (-29 ± 6 mmHg) compared to saline (0.34 ± 0.64% and -2 ± 2 mmHg), with no changes in the HR and RC. GN injection into the 4th V did not significantly change the IP and RC compared to saline, nevertheless, significantly increased MAP (25 ± 4 mmHg) and heart rate (36 ± 9 bpm) compared to saline. Intravenous PB and GN only produced cardiovascular effects, whilst PB but not GN in situ on the UB evoked increase in IP (111.60 ± 30.36%). Therefore, the activation of 5HT-3 receptors in medullary areas increases the intravesical pressure and these receptors are involved in the phasic control of UB. In contrast, 5-HT3 receptors in the medulla oblongata are involved in the pathways of the tonic control of the cardiovascular system. The activation of 5-HT3 receptors in the bladder cause increase in intravesical pressure and this regulation seem to be under phasic control as the blockade of such receptors elicits no changes in baseline intravesical pressure.
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Tjen-A-Looi SC, Fu LW, Guo ZL, Gong YD, Nguyen ATN, Nguyen ATP, Malik S. Neurogenic Hypotension and Bradycardia Modulated by Electroacupuncture in Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:934752. [PMID: 35958987 PMCID: PMC9361000 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.934752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulates somatic median afferents underlying P5-6 acupoints and modulates parasympathoexcitatory reflex responses through central processing in the brainstem. Although decreases in blood pressure and heart rate by the neural-mediated Bezold-Jarisch reflex responses are modulated by EA through opioid actions in the nucleus tractus solitarius and nucleus ambiguus, the role of the hypothalamus is unclear. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is activated by sympathetic afferents and regulates sympathetic outflow and sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular responses. In addition, the PVN is activated by vagal afferents, but little is known about its regulation of cardiopulmonary inhibitory hemodynamic responses. We hypothesized that the PVN participates in the Bezold-Jarisch reflex responses and EA inhibits these cardiopulmonary responses through the PVN opioid system. Rats were anesthetized and ventilated, and their heart rate and blood pressures were monitored. Application of phenylbiguanide every 10 min close to the right atrium induced consistent depressor and bradycardia reflex responses. Unilateral microinjection of the depolarization blockade agent kainic acid or glutamate receptor antagonist kynurenic acid in the PVN reduced these reflex responses. In at least 70% of the rats, 30 min of bilateral EA at P5-6 acupoints reduced the depressor and bradycardia responses for at least 60 min. Blockade of the CCK-1 receptors converted the non-responders into EA-responders. Unilateral PVN-microinjection with naloxone reversed the EA inhibition. Vagal-evoked activity of the PVN cardiovascular neurons was reduced by 30 min EA (P5-6) through opioid receptor activation. These data indicate that PVN processes inhibitory cardiopulmonary reflexes and participates in EA-modulation of the neural-mediated vasodepression and bradycardia.
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Tang J, Ren W, Liu Y, Gao H, Wang Y, Huang S. Effects of post-treatment electroacupuncture on ventricular monophasic action potential and cardiac function in a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion injury. Acupunct Med 2021; 40:89-98. [PMID: 34553613 DOI: 10.1177/09645284211039229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the effects of post-treatment electroacupuncture (EA) on the electrophysiological properties of ventricular muscle in rats with ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into sham-operated (SH), IR and IR + EA groups (n = 8 each). The IR model was generated by ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery for 30 min. After establishing the IR model, EA was administered at PC6 for 30 min while opening the coronary artery and allowing reperfusion for 30 min. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure and monophasic action potential (MAP) of cardiac muscle in the outer membrane of the antetheca of the left ventricle before coronary artery ligation (T0), after coronary artery ligation for 30 min (T1) and after reperfusion for 30 min (T2) were recorded. At the same time, ventricular electrophysiological parameters including ventricular effective refractory period (ERP), conduction velocity (CV) and ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) were measured. Then, the cardiac function and the levels of creatine kinase-muscle/brain (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were monitored. Based on these data, monophasic action potential amplitude (MAPA), the maximum depolarization velocity (Vmax) and the MAP durations at 50% and 90% repolarization (MAPD50 and MAPD90) were calculated to determine the incidence of arrhythmia during reperfusion. RESULTS Compared with the SH group, the IR group showed an obviously decreased HR as well as reduced mean arterial pressure, Vmax, CV, ERP and MAPA. All indices of cardiac function except left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) decreased (i.e. ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), fractional shortening (FS) and rate of the ventricular pressure rise/drop (±dp/dt)). Furthermore, the MAPD50 and MAPD90 were prolonged, and the levels of CK-MB and cTnI increased (p < 0.05). In comparison to the IR group, HR and the mean arterial pressure were increased. All indices of cardiac function except LVEDP increased (LVSP, LVEF, FS and ±dp/dt). Vmax, CV, ERP and MAPA were also increased in the IR + EA group. However, MAPD50 and MAPD90 were distinctly shortened, and the levels of CK-MB and cTnI decreased (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in VFT between the three groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION EA post-treatment can relieve prolongation of repolarization and slowed depolarization of ventricular muscle during IR, thus decreasing the rate of incidence of reperfusion arrhythmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Wenxin Ren
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yanqiu Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth People's Hospital of Guiyang, Guiyang, China
| | - Hong Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, No. 3 Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Duyun, China
| | - Yuanliang Wang
- Department of Surgical, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Suisui Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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Fu LW, Tjen-A-Looi SC, Barvarz S, Guo ZL, Malik S. Role of opioid receptors in modulation of P2X receptor-mediated cardiac sympathoexcitatory reflex response. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17224. [PMID: 31748569 PMCID: PMC6868205 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53754-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial ischemia evokes powerful reflex responses through activation of vagal and sympathetic afferents in the heart through the release of ischemic metabolites. We have demonstrated that extracellular ATP stimulates cardiac sympathetic afferents through P2 receptor-mediated mechanism, and that opioid peptides suppress these afferents' activity. However, the roles of both P2 receptor and endogenous opioids in cardiac sympathoexcitatory reflex (CSR) responses remain unclear. We therefore hypothesized that activation of cardiac P2 receptor evokes CSR responses by stimulating cardiac sympathetic afferents and these CSR responses are modulated by endogenous opioids. We observed that intrapericardial injection of α,β-methylene ATP (α,β-meATP, P2X receptor agonist), but not ADP (P2Y receptor agonist), caused a graded increase in mean arterial pressure in rats with sinoaortic denervation and vagotomy. This effect of α,β-meATP was abolished by blockade of cardiac neural transmission with intrapericardial procaine treatment and eliminated by intrapericardial A-317491, a selective P2X2/3 and P2X3 receptor antagonist. Intrapericardial α,β-meATP also evoked CSR response in vagus-intact rats. Furthermore, the P2X receptor-mediated CSR responses were enhanced by intrapericardial naloxone, a specific opioid receptor antagonist. These data suggest that stimulation of cardiac P2X2/3 and P2X3, but not P2Y receptors, powerfully evokes CSR responses through activation of cardiac spinal afferents, and that endogenous opioids suppress the P2X receptor-mediated CSR responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Wu Fu
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute and Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| | - Stephanie C Tjen-A-Looi
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute and Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Sherwin Barvarz
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute and Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Zhi-Ling Guo
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute and Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Shaista Malik
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute and Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
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Guo ZL, Malik S. Acupuncture activates a direct pathway from the nucleus tractus solitarii to the rostral ventrolateral medulla. Brain Res 2019; 1708:69-77. [PMID: 30529283 PMCID: PMC6378112 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Our previous studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) at the Jianshi-Neiguan acupoints (P5-6, overlying the median nerve) attenuates sympathoexcitatory responses through its influence on neuronal activity in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM). The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) receives input from somatic nerve stimulation. Connections between the NTS and the rVLM during EA stimulation have not been investigated and thus were the focus of the present study. Seven to ten days after unilateral microinjection of a rhodamine-conjugated microsphere retrograde tracer (100 nl) into the rVLM, rats were subjected to EA or sham-EA without electrical stimulation. EA was performed for 30 min at the P5-6 acupoints bilaterally. Perikarya containing the microsphere tracer were found in the NTS of both groups. Compared to controls (needle placement without electrical stimulation, n = 7), c-Fos immunoreactivity and neurons double-labeled with c-Fos, an immediate early gene, and the tracer were significantly increased in the NTS of EA-treated rats (all P < 0.05; n = 8), particularly, in the medial and lateral subdivisions of NTS at subpostremal and obex levels. These results suggest that EA at the P5-6 acupoints activates NTS neurons. Furthermore, EA-activated NTS neurons directly project to the rVLM and likely influence the rVLM activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ling Guo
- Department of Medicine and Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| | - Shaista Malik
- Department of Medicine and Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Cheng L, Li P, Patel Y, Gong Y, Guo ZL, Wu H, Malik S, Tjen-A-Looi SC. Moxibustion Modulates Sympathoexcitatory Cardiovascular Reflex Responses Through Paraventricular Nucleus. Front Neurosci 2019; 12:1057. [PMID: 30718997 PMCID: PMC6348372 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.01057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) point specific (ST36-37) stimulation decreases cardiovascular reflex responses through supraspinal regions such as the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) while mechanical stimulation of acupoints decreases pressor responses through peripheral thermal transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1). Moxibustion generating heat applied at acupoint in combination with antihypertensive drugs decreases elevated blood pressure. We hypothesized that moxibustion modulates sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular responses through the hypothalamic PVN and peripheral heat sensitive TRPV1 in the absence of antihypertensive drugs. Rats were anesthetized, ventilated, and heart rate and mean blood pressure were monitored. Gastric distention induced consistent pressor reflex responses every 10-min. Thirty-minutes of bilateral moxibustion at the acupoint ST36, overlying the deep peroneal nerves, reduced the gastric distention evoked elevation in blood pressure. Blood pressure reflex responses were not reduced by both EA and moxibustion at G39. The moxibustion inhibition but not EA inhibition of the cardiovascular responses was reversed with blockade of local heat sensitive TRPV1 at ST36. Accordingly, activation of thermal TRPV1 by moxibustion at an average of 44.2°C in contrast to 40°C reduced the pressor responses. Naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, microinjected into PVN inhibited transiently the effect of moxibustion. Thus, activation of peripheral heat sensitive TRPV1 mediated the moxibustion-inhibition, but not EA-inhibition, of sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular reflex responses through hypothalamic PVN opioid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Cheng
- Eastern Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Li
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Yash Patel
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Yiwei Gong
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Zhi-Ling Guo
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Huangan Wu
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaista Malik
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie C. Tjen-A-Looi
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Effect of electro-acupuncture on regulating the swallowing by activating the interneuron in ventrolateral medulla (VLM). Brain Res Bull 2018; 144:132-139. [PMID: 30502399 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Ventrolateral medulla(VLM) was one of the essential part of central pattern generator(CPG) in swallowing and electro-acupuncture(EA) was an important intervention in swallowing disorder. But the effect and mechanism of EA at acupoints on swallowing were unknown. The present aim to detect the effect of EA at Lianquan (CV23) on swallowing and swallowing-related(SR) interneuron in VLM. Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were operated and the swallowing reflex was induced through Double distilled water (DDW) infusion. Simultaneously, the numbers of swallowing were recorded. Then EA was given at Lianquan and Neiguan (PC6) and the neuron discharges in VLM were detected. A total of 72 neurons were recorded, 60 of which were correctly recorded after histology identification. Two types of SR neurons were found and the numbers of swallowing increased after EA at CV23 and PC6 compared with no EA group. The neuron response rates were 78.3% and 50% for EA at CV23 and PC6 respectively with significant difference (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the neuron spike patterns were changed after EA at CV23 and PC6. In addition, twenty-four rats were used for immunofluorescence after EA at CV23 and PC6. The results showed that c-fos positive cells in CV23 group were 20.63±2.35, while PC6 group was 14.13±1.78 and 6.88±1.42 in control group. There were significant difference between them (P < 0.05). These results indicated that EA could regulate the swallowing function via activating the SR interneurons in VLM under the physiological condition.
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Tjen-A-Looi SC, Fu LW, Guo ZL, Longhurst JC. Modulation of Neurally Mediated Vasodepression and Bradycardia by Electroacupuncture through Opioids in Nucleus Tractus Solitarius. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1900. [PMID: 29382866 PMCID: PMC5789879 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19672-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimulation of vagal afferent endings with intravenous phenylbiguanide (PBG) causes both bradycardia and vasodepression, simulating neurally mediated syncope. Activation of µ-opioid receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) increases blood pressure. Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of somatosensory nerves underneath acupoints P5–6, ST36–37, LI6–7 or G37–39 selectively but differentially modulates sympathoexcitatory responses. We therefore hypothesized that EA-stimulation at P5–6 or ST36–37, but not LI6–7 or G37–39 acupoints, inhibits the bradycardia and vasodepression through a µ-opioid receptor mechanism in the NTS. We observed that stimulation at acupoints P5–6 and ST36–37 overlying the deep somatosensory nerves and LI6–7 and G37–39 overlying cutaneous nerves differentially evoked NTS neural activity in anesthetized and ventilated animals. Thirty-min of EA-stimulation at P5–6 or ST36–37 reduced the depressor and bradycardia responses to PBG while EA at LI6–7 or G37–39 did not. Congruent with the hemodynamic responses, EA at P5–6 and ST36–37, but not at LI6–7 and G37–39, reduced vagally evoked activity of cardiovascular NTS cells. Finally, opioid receptor blockade in the NTS with naloxone or a specific μ-receptor antagonist reversed P5–6 EA-inhibition of the depressor, bradycardia and vagally evoked NTS activity. These data suggest that point specific EA stimulation inhibits PBG-induced vasodepression and bradycardia responses through a μ-opioid mechanism in the NTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Tjen-A-Looi
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-4075, USA.
| | - Liang-Wu Fu
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-4075, USA
| | - Zhi-Ling Guo
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-4075, USA
| | - John C Longhurst
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-4075, USA
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Wu JS, Lo HY, Li CC, Chen FY, Hsiang CY, Ho TY. Comprehensive evaluation of gene expression signatures in response to electroacupuncture stimulation at Zusanli (ST36) acupoint by transcriptomic analysis. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:406. [PMID: 28810910 PMCID: PMC5556347 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1911-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Electroacupuncture (EA) has been applied to treat and prevent diseases for years. However, molecular events happened in both the acupunctured site and the internal organs after EA stimulation have not been clarified. Methods Here we applied transcriptomic analysis to explore the gene expression signatures after EA stimulation. Mice were applied EA stimulation at ST36 for 15 min and nine tissues were collected three hours later for microarray analysis. Results We found that EA affected the expression of genes not only in the acupunctured site but also in the internal organs. EA commonly affected biological networks involved in cytoskeleton and cell adhesion, and also regulated unique process networks in specific organs, such as γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic neurotransmission in brain and inflammation process in lung. In addition, EA affected the expression of genes related to various diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases in brain and obstructive pulmonary diseases in lung. Conclusions This report applied, for the first time, a global comprehensive genome-wide approach to analyze the gene expression profiling of acupunctured site and internal organs after EA stimulation. The connection between gene expression signatures, biological processes, and diseases might provide a basis for prediction and explanation on the therapeutic potentials of acupuncture in organs.
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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.
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Tjen-A-Looi SC, Guo ZL, Fu LW, Longhurst JC. Paraventricular Nucleus Modulates Excitatory Cardiovascular Reflexes during Electroacupuncture. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25910. [PMID: 27181844 PMCID: PMC4867624 DOI: 10.1038/srep25910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) regulates sympathetic outflow and blood pressure. Somatic afferent stimulation activates neurons in the hypothalamic PVN. Parvocellular PVN neurons project to sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular regions of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM). Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulates the median nerve (P5-P6) to modulate sympathoexcitatory responses. We hypothesized that the PVN and its projections to the rVLM participate in the EA-modulation of sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular responses. Cats were anesthetized and ventilated. Heart rate and mean blood pressure were monitored. Application of bradykinin every 10-min on the gallbladder induced consistent pressor reflex responses. Thirty-min of bilateral EA stimulation at acupoints P5-P6 reduced the pressor responses for at least 60-min. Inhibition of the PVN with naloxone reversed the EA-inhibition. Responses of cardiovascular barosensitive rVLM neurons evoked by splanchnic nerve stimulation were reduced by EA and then restored with opioid receptor blockade in the PVN. EA at P5-P6 decreased splanchnic evoked activity of cardiovascular barosensitive PVN neurons that also project directly to the rVLM. PVN neurons labeled with retrograde tracer from rVLM were co-labeled with μ-opioid receptors and juxtaposed to endorphinergic fibers. Thus, the PVN and its projection to rVLM are important in processing acupuncture modulation of elevated blood pressure responses through a PVN opioid mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C. Tjen-A-Looi
- Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine School of Medicine, Univ. of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Zhi-Ling Guo
- Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine School of Medicine, Univ. of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Liang-Wu Fu
- Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine School of Medicine, Univ. of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - John C. Longhurst
- Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine School of Medicine, Univ. of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Lin L, Skakavac N, Lin X, Lin D, Borlongan MC, Borlongan CV, Cao C. Acupuncture-Induced Analgesia: The Role of Microglial Inhibition. Cell Transplant 2016; 25:621-8. [PMID: 26849399 DOI: 10.3727/096368916x690872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The last three decades have documented preclinical and clinical data supporting the use of acupuncture in relieving symptoms of many diseases, including allergies, infections, and neurological disorders. The advent of electroacupuncture has not only modernized the practice of acupuncture, but also has improved its efficacy, especially for producing analgesic-like effects. Although the mechanism of action of acupuncture-induced analgesia remains largely unknown, several lines of investigation have implicated modulation of pain processes via brain opioid signaling and neuroimmunoregulatory pathways. Here, we review key findings demonstrating the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of acupuncture-induced analgesia. In particular, we discuss potent analgesic effects of acupuncture via neural pain processes through inhibition of microglial activation. The safe and effective use of acupuncture stands as a nonpharmacological alternative for induction of analgesia, which has direct clinical applications, especially for pain-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Lin
- College of Acupuncture, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Minhou Shangjie, Fuzhou, Fujian, P. R. China
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Cheng L, Li P, Tjen-A-Looi SC, Longhurst JC. What do we understand from clinical and mechanistic studies on acupuncture treatment for hypertension? Chin Med 2015; 10:36. [PMID: 26628909 PMCID: PMC4666174 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-015-0070-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The outcome of acupuncture on hypertension treatment is inconclusive. This study aims to evaluate the influence of acupuncture on hypertension, based on findings from mechanistic studies over the course of decades particularly those conducted at the University of California, Irvine. Low-current and low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) at P5-6 (overlying the median nerve) and S36-37 (overlying the deep peroneal nerve) reduced high blood pressure in a subset of patients (~70 %) with mild-to-moderate hypertension, in a slow-onset (4-8 weeks) but long-lasting (1-2 months) manner. EA inhibited cardiovascular sympathoexcitatory neurons through activation of neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray in the midbrain and the nucleus raphe pallidus in the medulla, through inhibiting the activity of premotor sympathetic neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM). Several neurotransmitters such as glutamate, acetylcholine, opioids, GABA, nociceptin, serotonin and endocannabinoids were involved in this EA-induced hypotensive response. The long-lasting inhibition of hypertension induced by EA was related to opioids and GABA in the rVLM, neural circuitry between the arcuate and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray, and prolongation of the increase in preproenkephalin mRNA levels and enkephalin levels in the rVLM and arcuate. Moreover, the long-lasting inhibition of sympathetic activity by EA was confirmed in EA-treated hypertensive patients with decreased levels of norepinephrine, renin and aldosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Cheng
- />Department of Acupuncture, East Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Li
- />Susan-Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | | | - John Charles Longhurst
- />Susan-Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, USA
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Role of Opioid Receptors Signaling in Remote Electrostimulation--Induced Protection against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rat Hearts. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138108. [PMID: 26430750 PMCID: PMC4592126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Our previous studies demonstrated that remote electro-stimulation (RES) increased myocardial GSK3 phosphorylation and attenuated ischemia/ reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat hearts. However, the role of various opioid receptors (OR) subtypes in preconditioned RES-induced myocardial protection remains unknown. We investigated the role of OR subtype signaling in RES-induced cardioprotection against I/R injury of the rat heart. Methods & Results Male Spraque-Dawley rats were used. RES was performed on median nerves area with/without pretreatment with various receptors antagonists such as opioid receptor (OR) subtype receptors (KOR, DOR, and MOR). The expressions of Akt, GSK3, and PKCε expression were analyzed by Western blotting. When RES was preconditioned before the I/R model, the rat's hemodynamic index, infarction size, mortality and serum CK-MB were evaluated. Our results showed that Akt, GSK3 and PKCε expression levels were significantly increased in the RES group compared to the sham group, which were blocked by pretreatment with specific antagonists targeting KOR and DOR, but not MOR subtype. Using the I/R model, the duration of arrhythmia and infarct size were both significantly attenuated in RES group. The mortality rates of the sham RES group, the RES group, RES group + KOR antagonist, RES group + DOR/MOR antagonists (KOR left), RES group + DOR antagonist, and RES group + KOR/MOR antagonists (DOR left) were 50%, 20%, 67%, 13%, 50% and 55%, respectively. Conclusion The mechanism of RES-induced myocardial protection against I/R injury seems to involve multiple target pathways such as Akt, KOR and/or DOR signaling.
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Electroacupuncture Ameliorates the Coronary Occlusion Related Tachycardia and Hypotension in Acute Rat Myocardial Ischemia Model: Potential Role of Hippocampus. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015. [PMID: 26221181 PMCID: PMC4499623 DOI: 10.1155/2015/925987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms for electroacupuncture (EA) in disease treatments are still enigmatic. Here, we studied whether hippocampus was involved in the protection of EA stimulation on myocardial ischemia injury. Acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) model was produced. EA stimulation at heart meridian from Shenmen (HT7) to Tongli (HT5) was applied to rats 3 times a day for continuous three days. Coronary occlusion related tachycardia and hypotension, indicated by heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and rate pressure product, were apparently impaired after AMI injury. By contrast, EA stimulating could ameliorate the impairments of heart function (P < 0.05). Interestingly, lesion of CA1 region of hippocampus abolished the protection of EA. Neuronal activity in CA1 area was affected by AMI. As evidenced, cell counts, cell types, and frequency of the discharged neurons were facilitated after AMI, while EA stimulation attenuated the abnormalities. Furthermore, c-Fos expression was significantly facilitated in CA1 area after AMI, which was reduced by EA stimulation. Correlations were established between c-Fos expression and cell counts of discharged neurons, as well as between heart function and cell counts of discharged neurons. Taken together, EA stimulation at heart meridian protects against heart dysfunction induced by AMI possibly through suppressing the neuronal activity in CA1 region.
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Tjen-A-Looi SC, Guo ZL, Longhurst JC. GABA in nucleus tractus solitarius participates in electroacupuncture modulation of cardiopulmonary bradycardia reflex. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2014; 307:R1313-23. [PMID: 25231352 PMCID: PMC4254943 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00300.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Phenylbiguanide (PBG) stimulates cardiopulmonary receptors and cardiovascular reflex responses, including decreases in blood pressure and heart rate mediated by the brain stem parasympathetic cardiac neurons in the nucleus ambiguus and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). Electroacupuncture (EA) at P5-6 stimulates sensory fibers in the median nerve and modulates these reflex responses. Stimulation of median nerves reverses bradycardia through action of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the nucleus ambiguus, important in the regulation of heart rate. We do not know whether the NTS or the neurotransmitter mechanisms in this nucleus participate in these modulatory actions by acupuncture. We hypothesized that somatic nerve stimulation during EA (P5-6) modulates cardiopulmonary inhibitory responses through a GABAergic mechanism in the NTS. Anesthetized and ventilated cats were examined during either PBG or direct vagal afferent stimulation while 30 min of EA was applied at P5-6. Reflex heart rate and blood pressure responses and NTS-evoked discharge were recorded. EA reduced the PBG-induced depressor and bradycardia reflexes by 67% and 60%, respectively. Blockade of GABAA receptors in the NTS reversed EA modulation of bradycardia but not the depressor response. During EA, gabazine reversed the vagally evoked discharge activity of cardiovascular NTS neurons. EA modulated the vagal-evoked cardiovascular NTS cellular activity for 60 min. Immunohistochemistry using triple labeling showed GABA immunoreactive fibers juxtaposed to glutamatergic nucleus ambiguus-projecting NTS neurons in rats. These glutamatergic neurons expressed GABAA receptors. These findings suggest that EA inhibits PBG-evoked bradycardia and vagally evoked NTS activity through a GABAergic mechanism, likely involving glutamatergic nucleus ambiguus-projecting NTS neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Tjen-A-Looi
- Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Zhi-Ling Guo
- Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - John C Longhurst
- Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California
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19
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Cipriano G, Neder JA, Umpierre D, Arena R, Vieira PJC, Chiappa AMG, Ribeiro JP, Chiappa GR. Sympathetic ganglion transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery improves femoral blood flow and exercise tolerance. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2014; 117:633-8. [PMID: 25103974 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00993.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) over the stellate ganglion region would reduce sympathetic overstimulation and improve femoral blood flow (FBF) after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Thirty-eight patients (20 men, 24 New York Heart Association class III-IV) were randomized to 5-day postoperative TENS (n = 20; 4 times/day; 30 min/session) or sham TENS (n = 18) applied to the posterior cervical region (C7-T4). Sympathetic nervous system was stimulated by the cold pressor test, with FBF being measured by ultrasound Doppler. Femoral vascular conductance (FVC) was calculated as FBF/mean arterial pressure (MAP). Six-min walking distance established patients' functional capacity. Before and after the intervention periods, pain scores, opiate requirements, and circulating β-endorphin levels were determined. As expected, preoperative MAP increased and FBF and FVC decreased during the cold pressor test. Sham TENS had no significant effect on these variables (P > 0.05). In contrast, MAP decreased in the TENS group (125 ± 12 vs. 112 ± 10 mmHg). This finding, in association with a consistent increase in FBF (95 ± 5 vs. 145 ± 14 ml/min), led to significant improvements in FVC (P < 0.01). Moreover, 6-min walking distance improved only with TENS (postsurgery-presurgery = 35 ± 12 vs. 6 ± 10 m; P < 0.01). TENS was associated with lesser postoperative pain and opiate requirements but greater circulating β-endorphin levels (P < 0.05). In conclusion, stellate ganglion TENS after coronary artery bypass graft surgery positively impacted on limb blood flow during a sympathetic stimulation maneuver, a beneficial effect associated with improved clinical and functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerson Cipriano
- Physical Therapy Department, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - J Alberto Neder
- Laboratory of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Kingston General Hospital, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Umpierre
- Exercise Pathophysiology Research Laboratory and Cardiology Division, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ross Arena
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Paulo J C Vieira
- Exercise Pathophysiology Research Laboratory and Cardiology Division, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Jorge P Ribeiro
- Exercise Pathophysiology Research Laboratory and Cardiology Division, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gaspar R Chiappa
- Exercise Pathophysiology Research Laboratory and Cardiology Division, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Public Health Research Group, Division of Physical Therapy, Serra Gaucha College, Caxias do Sul, Brazil
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-fifth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2012 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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21
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Fu LW, Longhurst JC. Functional role of peripheral opioid receptors in the regulation of cardiac spinal afferent nerve activity during myocardial ischemia. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2013; 305:H76-85. [PMID: 23645463 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00091.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Thinly myelinated Aδ-fiber and unmyelinated C-fiber cardiac sympathetic (spinal) sensory nerve fibers are activated during myocardial ischemia to transmit the sensation of angina pectoris. Although recent observations showed that myocardial ischemia increases the concentrations of opioid peptides and that the stimulation of peripheral opioid receptors inhibits chemically induced visceral and somatic nociception, the role of opioids in cardiac spinal afferent signaling during myocardial ischemia has not been studied. The present study tested the hypothesis that peripheral opioid receptors modulate cardiac spinal afferent nerve activity during myocardial ischemia by suppressing the responses of cardiac afferent nerve to ischemic mediators like bradykinin and extracellular ATP. The nerve activity of single unit cardiac afferents was recorded from the left sympathetic chain (T₂-T₅) in anesthetized cats. Forty-three ischemically sensitive afferent nerves (conduction velocity: 0.32-3.90 m/s) with receptive fields in the left and right ventricles were identified. The responses of these afferent nerves to repeat ischemia or ischemic mediators were further studied in the following protocols. First, epicardial administration of naloxone (8 μmol), a nonselective opioid receptor antagonist, enhanced the responses of eight cardiac afferent nerves to recurrent myocardial ischemia by 62%, whereas epicardial application of vehicle (PBS) did not alter the responses of seven other cardiac afferent nerves to ischemia. Second, naloxone applied to the epicardial surface facilitated the responses of seven cardiac afferent nerves to epicardial ATP by 76%. Third, administration of naloxone enhanced the responses of seven other afferent nerves to bradykinin by 85%. In contrast, in the absence of naloxone, cardiac afferent nerves consistently responded to repeated application of ATP (n = 7) or bradykinin (n = 7). These data suggest that peripheral opioid peptides suppress the responses of cardiac sympathetic afferent nerves to myocardial ischemia and ischemic mediators like ATP and bradykinin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Wu Fu
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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Abstract
Over the last several decades, there has been an explosion of articles on acupuncture, including studies that have begun to explore mechanisms underlying its analgesic and cardiovascular actions. Modulation of cardiovascular function is most effective during manual and low-frequency, low-intensity electroacupuncture (EA) at a select set of acupoints situated along meridians located over deep somatic nerves on the upper and lower extremities. Stimulation at these acupoints activates underlying sensory neural pathways that project to a number of regions in the central nervous system (CNS) that ultimately regulate autonomic outflow and hence cardiovascular function. A long-loop pathway involving the hypothalamus, midbrain, and medulla underlies EA modulation of reflex increases in blood pressure (BP). Actions of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the supraspinal CNS underlie processing of the somatic input and adjustment of autonomic outflow during EA. Acupuncture also decreases elevated blood pressure through actions in the thoracic spinal cord. Reflexes that lower BP likewise are modulated by EA through its actions on sympathetic and parasympathetic nuclei in the medulla. The autonomic influence of acupuncture is slow in onset but prolonged in duration, typically lasting beyond the period of stimulation. Clinical studies suggest that acupuncture can be used to treat cardiac diseases, such as myocardial ischemia and hypertension, associated with overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Longhurst
- Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California, Irvine , Irvine, CA
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Tjen-A-Looi SC, Guo ZL, Li M, Longhurst JC. Medullary GABAergic mechanisms contribute to electroacupuncture modulation of cardiovascular depressor responses during gastric distention in rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2013; 304:R321-32. [PMID: 23302958 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00451.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) at P5-P6 acupoints overlying the median nerves typically reduces sympathoexcitatory blood pressure (BP) reflex responses in eucapnic rats. Gastric distention in hypercapnic acidotic rats, by activating both vagal and sympathetic afferents, decreases heart rate (HR) and BP through actions in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM) and nucleus ambiguus (NAmb), leading to sympathetic withdrawal and parasympathetic activation, respectively. A GABAA mechanism in the rVLM mediates the decreased sympathetic outflow. The present study investigated the hypothesis that EA modulates gastric distention-induced hemodynamic depressor and bradycardia responses through nuclei that process parasympathetic and sympathetic outflow. Anesthetized hypercapnic acidotic rats manifested repeatable decreases in BP and HR with gastric distention every 10 min. Bilateral EA at P5-P6 for 30 min reversed the hypotensive response from -26 ± 3 to -6 ± 1 mmHg and the bradycardia from -35 ± 11 to -10 ± 3 beats/min for a period that lasted more than 70 min. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization to detect c-Fos protein and GAD 67 mRNA expression showed that GABAergic caudal ventral lateral medulla (cVLM) neurons were activated by EA. Glutamatergic antagonism of cVLM neurons with kynurenic acid reversed the actions of EA. Gabazine used to block GABAA receptors microinjected into the rVLM or cVLM reversed EA's action on both the reflex depressor and bradycardia responses. EA modulation of the decreased HR was inhibited by microinjection of gabazine into the NAmb. Thus, EA through GABAA receptor mechanisms in the rVLM, cVLM, and NAmb modulates gastric distention-induced reflex sympathoinhibition and vagal excitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Tjen-A-Looi
- Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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Zhang HH, Chen J, Xia CM, Jiang MY, Wang J, Cao YX, Shen LL, Wang MY, Zhu DN. Protective effects of electroacupuncture on cardiac function in rats subjected to thoracic surgery trauma. Brain Res Bull 2012; 89:71-8. [PMID: 22750250 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2012.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Revised: 06/16/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigates the protective effects of electroacupuncture (EA) application on cardiac function, while simultaneously exploring the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, in rats that have experienced thoracic surgery-induced stress. Mean arterial and left intraventricular pressures were monitored as indicators of cardiac function. Meanwhile, the immunohistochemistry for c-Fos protein expression and electrophysiology in vitro in brain nuclei, known to regulate cardiac function, provide insights into the effects of EA on the central nervous system. The results show that cardiac function was dramatically suppressed with thoracic surgery trauma, the expression levels of c-Fos in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) significantly increased, the rheobase intensity of the intracellular current injection needed to initiate the action potential decreased, membrane resistance in the PVN neurons significantly increased, and the inductivity of the postsynaptic potentials in the PVN neurons of the surgery-treated rats significantly decreased. EA application at the Neiguan acupoints (PC6) attenuated the decreases in almost all investigated functional parameters of the heart. EA significantly decreased the number of Fos-immunoreactive neurons in the PVN and RVLM, significantly decreased the Max L. slope of the PVN neurons, and increased the inductivity of the postsynaptic potentials in the PVN neurons of the surgery-treated rats. These data indicate the protective effects of EA application on cardiac function in rats that have experienced surgery-induced stress and show that EA application at the Neiguan acupoints may produce its protective effects through the neurons in the PVN and the RVLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Huan Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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