1
|
Zhao X, Liu L, Wang Y, Wang G, Zhao Y, Zhang Y. Electroacupuncture enhances antioxidative signal pathway and attenuates neuropathic pain induced by chemotherapeutic paclitaxel. Physiol Res 2019; 68:501-510. [PMID: 30904013 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the significant limiting complications of paclitaxel is painful peripheral neuropathy during its therapy for several types of cancers. Our recent study showed that impairment of Nrf2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) and upregulation of oxidative signals in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of rats with treatment of paclitaxel result in neuropathic pain. The purpose of this study was to examine the beneficial role played by electroacupuncture (EA) in modifying neuropathic pain evoked by paclitaxel via Nrf2-ARE and oxidative mechanisms. Behavioral test was performed to determine mechanical and thermal sensitivity in rats. Western Blot analysis and ELISA were used to examine expression of Nrf2-ARE and superoxide dismutases (SOD); and the levels of products of oxidative stress in the DRG. Our data showed that paclitaxel increased mechanical and thermal sensitivity and this was accompanied with impaired Nrf2-ARE and SOD in the DRG and amplified products of oxidative stress (i.e. 8-isoprostaglandin F2alpha and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine). EA treatment largely restored the levels of Nrf2-ARE/SOD and inhibited products of oxidative stress and thereby attenuated mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity induced by paclitaxel. In conclusion, we revealed specific signaling pathways leading to paclitaxel-evoked neuropathic pain, including impairment of Nrf2-ARE and heightened oxidative signals. We further provided evidence for the role of EA in alleviating paclitaxel-neuropathic pain via these molecular mediators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Zhao
- Tumor Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China and Department of Gerontology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ganguie MA, Moghadam BA, Ghotbi N, Shadmehr A, Masoumi M. Immediate effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on six-minute walking test, Borg scale questionnaire and hemodynamic responses in patients with chronic heart failure. J Phys Ther Sci 2018; 29:2133-2137. [PMID: 29643590 PMCID: PMC5890216 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.29.2133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] This study examined the immediate effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on a six-minute walking test, Borg scale questionnaire and hemodynamic responses in patients with chronic heart failure. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty patients with stable systolic chronic heart failure came to the pathophysiology laboratory three times. The tests were randomly performed in three sessions. In one session, current was applied to the quadriceps muscles of both extremities for 30 minutes and a six-minute walking test was performed immediately afterward. In another session, the same procedure was followed except that the current intensity was set to zero. In the third session, the patients walked for six minutes without application of a current. The distance covered in each session was measured. At the end of each session, the subjects completed a Borg scale questionnaire. [Results] The mean distance traveled in the six-minute walking test and the mean score of the Borg scale questionnaire were significantly different across sessions. The mean systolic and diastolic pressures showed no significant differences across sessions. [Conclusion] The increase in distance traveled during the six-minute walking test and decrease in fatigue after the use of current may be due to a decrease in sympathetic overactivity and an increase in peripheral and muscular microcirculation in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Majid Ashraf Ganguie
- Physical Therapy Department, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences: Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Nastaran Ghotbi
- Physical Therapy Department, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences: Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Shadmehr
- Physical Therapy Department, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences: Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Masoumi
- Internal Medicine Department, School of Cardiology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ma L, Cui B, Shao Y, Ni B, Zhang W, Luo Y, Zhang S. Electroacupuncture improves cardiac function and remodeling by inhibition of sympathoexcitation in chronic heart failure rats. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2014; 306:H1464-71. [PMID: 24585780 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00889.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, mainly as a result of neurohumoral activation. Acupuncture has been used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions. In this study, we investigated the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the sympathetic nerve activity, heart function, and remodeling in CHF rats after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. CHF rats were randomly selected to EA and control groups for acute and chronic experiments. In the acute experiment, both the renal sympathetic nerve activity and cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex elicited by epicardial application of capsaicin were recorded. In the chronic experiment, we performed EA for 30 min once a day for 1 wk to test the long-term EA effects on heart function, remodeling, as well as infarct size in CHF rats. The results show EA significantly decreased the renal sympathetic nerve activity effectively, inhibited cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex, and lowered the blood pressure of CHF rats. Treating CHF rats with EA for 1 wk dramatically increased left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fraction shortening, reversed the enlargement of left ventricular end-systolic dimension and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, and shrunk the infarct size. In this experiment, we demonstrated EA attenuates sympathetic overactivity. Additionally, long-term EA improves cardiac function and remodeling and reduces infarct size in CHF rats. EA is a novel and potentially useful therapy for treating CHF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Ma
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Baiping Cui
- Division of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongfeng Shao
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Buqing Ni
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiran Zhang
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonggang Luo
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijiang Zhang
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Labrunée M, Despas F, Marque P, Guiraud T, Galinier M, Senard JM, Pathak A. Acute electromyostimulation decreases muscle sympathetic nerve activity in patients with advanced chronic heart failure (EMSICA Study). PLoS One 2013; 8:e79438. [PMID: 24265770 PMCID: PMC3827140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Muscle passive contraction of lower limb by neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) is frequently used in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients but no data are available concerning its action on sympathetic activity. However, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is able to improve baroreflex in CHF. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the acute effect of TENS and NMES compared to Sham stimulation on sympathetic overactivity as assessed by Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity (MSNA). Methods We performed a serie of two parallel, randomized, double blinded and sham controlled protocols in twenty-two CHF patients in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III. Half of them performed stimulation by TENS, and the others tested NMES. Results Compare to Sham stimulation, both TENS and NMES are able to reduce MSNA (63.5 ± 3.5 vs 69.7 ± 3.1 bursts / min, p < 0.01 after TENS and 51.6 ± 3.3 vs 56.7 ± 3.3 bursts / min, p < 0, 01 after NMES). No variation of blood pressure, heart rate or respiratory parameters was observed after stimulation. Conclusion The results suggest that sensory stimulation of lower limbs by electrical device, either TENS or NMES, could inhibit sympathetic outflow directed to legs in CHF patients. These properties could benefits CHF patients and pave the way for a new non-pharmacological approach of CHF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Labrunée
- National Institute of Health and Medical ResearchTeam Institut des maladies métaboliques et cardiovasculaires, Toulouse, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toulouse III Paul Sabatier F-31432, Toulouse, France
- Federation of Cardiology, Universitary Hospital of Toulouse, F-31073, Toulouse, France
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation unit, Universitary Hospital of Toulouse, F-31073, Toulouse, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Fabien Despas
- National Institute of Health and Medical ResearchTeam Institut des maladies métaboliques et cardiovasculaires, Toulouse, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toulouse III Paul Sabatier F-31432, Toulouse, France
- Clinical Pharmacology unit, Universitary Hospital of Toulouse, F-31073, Toulouse, France
| | - Philippe Marque
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toulouse III Paul Sabatier F-31432, Toulouse, France
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation unit, Universitary Hospital of Toulouse, F-31073, Toulouse, France
| | - Thibaut Guiraud
- National Institute of Health and Medical ResearchTeam Institut des maladies métaboliques et cardiovasculaires, Toulouse, France
- Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation center, Saint-Orens de Gameville, France
| | - Michel Galinier
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toulouse III Paul Sabatier F-31432, Toulouse, France
- Federation of Cardiology, Universitary Hospital of Toulouse, F-31073, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean Michel Senard
- National Institute of Health and Medical ResearchTeam Institut des maladies métaboliques et cardiovasculaires, Toulouse, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toulouse III Paul Sabatier F-31432, Toulouse, France
- Clinical Pharmacology unit, Universitary Hospital of Toulouse, F-31073, Toulouse, France
| | - Atul Pathak
- National Institute of Health and Medical ResearchTeam Institut des maladies métaboliques et cardiovasculaires, Toulouse, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toulouse III Paul Sabatier F-31432, Toulouse, France
- Federation of Cardiology, Universitary Hospital of Toulouse, F-31073, Toulouse, France
- Clinical Pharmacology unit, Universitary Hospital of Toulouse, F-31073, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Longhurst
- Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California, Irvine , Irvine, CA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Benharash P, Zhou W. Neuromodulation in treatment of hypertension by acupuncture: A neurophysiological prospective. Health (London) 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2013.54a009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
8
|
Li J, Li J, Chen Z, Liang F, Wu S, Wang H. The influence of PC6 on cardiovascular disorders: a review of central neural mechanisms. Acupunct Med 2012; 30:47-50. [PMID: 22378585 PMCID: PMC3298663 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2011-010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PC6 is a classic acupuncture point in traditional Chinese medicine. It is considered to be effective when treating cardiovascular disorders. In the present review the authors have focused on the neurophysiological bases of the effects of PC6 stimulation on cardiovascular mechanisms. Experimental studies have shown that the hypothalamic rostral ventrolateral medulla, arcuate nucleus and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray are involved in acupuncture attenuation of sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular reflex responses. This long-loop pathway also appears to contribute to the long-lasting, acupuncture-mediated attenuation of sympathetic premotor outflow and excitatory cardiovascular reflex responses. Acupuncture of PC6 modulates the activity in the cardiovascular system, an effect that may be attributed to attenuation of sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular reflex responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zebin Chen
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Fengxia Liang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Song Wu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Neuroendocrine mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of hypertension. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2011; 2012:878673. [PMID: 22216059 PMCID: PMC3246758 DOI: 10.1155/2012/878673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2011] [Accepted: 09/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension affects approximately 1 billion individuals worldwide.
Pharmacological therapy has not been perfected and often is associated with
adverse side effects. Acupuncture is used as an adjunctive treatment for a
number of cardiovascular diseases like hypertension. It has long been
established that the two major contributors to systemic hypertension are the
intrarenal renin-angiotensin system and chronic activation of the sympathetic
nervous system. Recent evidence indicates that in some models of
cardiovascular disease, blockade of AT1 receptors in the rostral ventrolateral
medulla (rVLM) reduces sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure,
suggesting that overactivity of the angiotensin system in this nucleus may play a role
in the maintenance of hypertension. Our experimental studies have shown that
electroacupuncture stimulation activates neurons in the arcuate nucleus,
ventrolateral gray, and nucleus raphe to inhibit the neural activity in the rVLM in a
model of visceral reflex stimulation-induced hypertension. This paper will
discuss current knowledge of the effects of acupuncture on central nervous
system and how they contribute to regulation of acupuncture on the endocrine
system to provide a perspective on the future of treatment of hypertension with
this ancient technique.
Collapse
|
10
|
Longhurst J. Reply to “Why Meridians?”. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s2005-2901(10)60028-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
|
11
|
Contralateral electroacupuncture pretreatment suppresses carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain via the opioid-mu receptor. Rheumatol Int 2010; 31:725-30. [PMID: 20130880 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-010-1364-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2009] [Accepted: 09/13/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture has been used to treat various clinical diseases in Eastern medicine. To investigate the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment on carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain, we studied on the effect of EA parameters on an animal model of acute arthritic pain. Pretreatment with 1 mA, 10 Hz EA prior to carrageenan injection under halothane anesthesia suppressed carrageenan-induced pain. Interestingly, EA stimulation of the 'Zu-San-Li' (ST36) acupuncture point (1 mA, 10 Hz) contralateral to the site of the carrageenan injection in the rat synovial cavity produced significantly greater improvement of the weight-bearing force compared with EA stimulation of the 'San-Yin-Jiao' acupuncture point. To determine how ST36 EA treatment suppresses carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain, we examined the effect of a mu opioid receptor antagonist on ST36 EA-induced analgesia. The selective antagonist of the mu opioid receptor (OR) significantly suppressed contralateral ST36 EA-induced analgesia against carrageenan-induced inflammation. These results suggested that the analgesic effect mediated by the mu OR during low-frequency contralateral EA pretreatment has an anti-nociceptive action against inflammatory pain and that it may provide a potential strategy to treat inflammatory arthritic pain.
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhou W, Mahajan A, Longhurst JC. Spinal nociceptin mediates electroacupuncture-related modulation of visceral sympathoexcitatory reflex responses in rats. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2009; 297:H859-65. [PMID: 19561314 PMCID: PMC2724196 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00149.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2009] [Accepted: 06/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The role of nociceptin and its spinal cord neural pathways in electroacupuncture (EA)-related inhibition of visceral excitatory reflexes is not clear. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is an endogenous ligand for a G protein-coupled receptor, called the N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptor, which has been found to be distributed in the spinal cord. The present study investigated the importance of this system in visceral-cardiovascular reflex modulation during EA. Cardiovascular pressor reflex responses were induced by gastric distension in Sprague-Dawley rats anesthetized by ketamine and xylazine. An intrathecal injection of nociceptin (10 nM) at T1-2 attenuated the pressor responses by 35%, similar to the influence of EA at P 5-6 (42% decrease). An intrathecal injection of the NOP antagonist, [N-Phe(1)]nociceptin(1-13) NH(2), partially reversed the EA response. Pretreatment with the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone did not alter the EA-like inhibitory effect of nociceptin on the pressor reflex, whereas a combination of nociceptin receptor antagonist with naloxone completely abolished the EA response. An intrathecal injection of nociceptin attenuated the pressor responses to the electrical stimulation of the rostral ventrolateral medulla by 46%, suggesting that nociceptin can regulate sympathetic outflow. Furthermore, a bilateral microinjection of NOP antagonist into either the dorsal horn or the intermediolateral column at T1 partially reversed the EA inhibitory effect. These results suggest that nociceptin in the spinal cord mediates part of the EA-related modulation of visceral reflex responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
This paper is the 29th consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, now spanning 30 years of research. It summarizes papers published during 2006 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 neurological 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).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhou W, Fu LW, Guo ZL, Longhurst JC. Role of glutamate in the rostral ventrolateral medulla in acupuncture-related modulation of visceral reflex sympathoexcitation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2007; 292:H1868-75. [PMID: 17158649 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00875.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Visceral sympathoexcitatory reflexes induced by stimulation of the gallbladder with bradykinin (BK) are attenuated by electroacupuncture (EA) at Neiguan-Jianshi (P5-6) acupoints located over the median nerve. Previous studies have shown that neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM) receive convergent input from visceral organs and somatic nerves (activated by EA). Glutamate (Glu), an important excitatory neurotransmitter in the rVLM, processes visceral sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular reflexes. In the present study, we determined the relation between EA-mediated opioidergic modulation of visceral cardiovascular responses and Glu. Reflex cardiovascular responses were evoked by application of BK to the gallbladder before and after EA in anesthetized cats. Glu concentrations ([Glu]) were measured by HPLC from samples collected by microdialysis probe(s) inserted unilaterally or bilaterally into the rVLM. BK-induced reflex responses and [Glu] were attenuated by 45% and 70%, respectively, after 30 min of EA ( n = 6). EA alone did not change [Glu] in the rVLM ( n = 6, P > 0.05). However, microdialysis of naloxone (100 mM) into the rVLM reversed EA-related inhibition of blood pressure and [Glu] ( n = 5). Immunohistochemical visualization showed that δ-opioid receptors colocalized with, and were in close apposition to, vesicular Glu transporter 3- and c-Fos-double-labeled perikarya and processes of rVLM neurons after gallbladder stimulation with BK. These data suggest that EA attenuates BK-induced visceral sympathoexcitatory reflexes through opioid-mediated inhibition of Glu's action in the rVLM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Department of Medicine and Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-4075, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dynorphin-containing axons directly innervate noradrenergic neurons in the rat nucleus locus coeruleus. Neuroscience 2007; 145:1077-86. [PMID: 17289275 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.12.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2006] [Revised: 12/13/2006] [Accepted: 12/20/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Stress causes increased dynorphin (DYN) expression in limbic brain regions and antagonism of kappa-opioid receptors may offer therapeutic potential for the treatment of depression. A potential site of DYN action relevant to stress and related neuropsychiatric disorders is the locus coeruleus (LC), the primary source of forebrain norepinephrine. Therefore, using immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopic analyses, we characterized the cellular substrates for interactions between DYN and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a catecholamine synthesizing enzyme in single sections through the rat LC. Light microscopic analysis of DYN immunoreactivity indicated that DYN fibers are distributed within the core and pericoerulear subregions of the LC. Using electron microscopy, immunoperoxidase labeling for DYN was primarily found in axon terminals, although in some cases was diffusely localized to somatodendritic processes. When DYN-containing axons formed synaptic contacts, they typically (89%) exhibited an asymmetric morphology. Almost a third (28%) of the postsynaptic targets of DYN-containing axons contained immunogold labeling for TH. These findings reveal some diversity as to the localization of DYN in the LC within axons that contact both TH and non-TH containing dendrites. However, the present data provide the first ultrastructural evidence that DYN-containing axon terminals directly innervate catecholaminergic LC dendrites. Moreover, DYN axon terminals targeting catecholaminergic LC dendrites via asymmetric synapses are consistent with localization within excitatory type afferents to the LC. Therefore, direct modulation of catacholaminergic LC neurons maybe an important site of action for DYN relevant to stress and stress-related disorders.
Collapse
|
16
|
Lujan HL, Kramer VJ, DiCarlo SE. Electroacupuncture decreases the susceptibility to ventricular tachycardia in conscious rats by reducing cardiac metabolic demand. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2007; 292:H2550-5. [PMID: 17209007 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00979.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Reperfusion after a brief period of cardiac ischemia can lead to potentially lethal arrhythmias. Clinical observations and experimental work with animals suggest that acupuncture may have therapeutic effects for individuals with coronary heart disease, certain arrhythmias, and myocardial ischemia. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that electroacupuncture reduces the susceptibility to ischemia-reperfusion-mediated ventricular tachyarrhythmias. To test this hypothesis, we measured the susceptibility to ventricular tachyarrhythmias produced by 3 min of occlusion and reperfusion of the left main coronary artery in conscious rats under two experimental conditions: 1) control and 2) with electroacupuncture. Acupuncture was simulated by electrically stimulating the median nerves, corresponding to the Jianshi-Neiguan [pericardial meridian (P) 5-6] acupoints. Results document a significantly lower incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias with electroacupuncture (2 of 8, 25%) relative to control (14 of 14, 100%) rats. The decreased susceptibility to tachyarrhythmias with electroacupuncture was associated with a reduced cardiac metabolic demand (lower rate-pressure product and ST-segment elevation) during ischemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi L Lujan
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhou W, Longhurst JC. Review of trials examining the use of acupuncture to treat hypertension. Future Cardiol 2006; 2:287-92. [DOI: 10.2217/14796678.2.3.287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke in the US, only approximately a quarter of adults receive adequate hypertension treatment and control their blood pressure (BP) effectively. There are disparities in the prevalence of hypertension, its treatment and control with respect to age, sex, racial groups and education. The seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of high BP (JNC 7 report) provides lifestyle modification with and without pharmacological intervention recommendations for preventing and treating different stages of hypertension. Recently, nonpharmacological approaches including yoga, meditation, acupressure and acupuncture have been considered as potential therapeutic options. Acupuncture has been used empirically for nearly 3000 years to treat a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, hypotension, coronary disease and certain arrhythmias. Previous studies suggest that short and chronic elevation in BP can be lowered in animal models and human subjects. However, the mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive effects of acupuncture are not yet fully understood. An increasing interest in acupuncture healthcare has led to a growing number of investigators to pursue research in this field. This article briefly summarizes available studies, including our own reports, that demonstrate evidence for acupuncture modulation of cardiovascular function, particularly BP reduction, and concludes that future treatment of hypertension can potentially include acupuncture as a nonpharmacological intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Medical Science 1 C240, College of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4075, USA
| | - John C Longhurst
- Medical Science 1 C240, College of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4075, USA
| |
Collapse
|