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Uchida S, Kagitani F. Influence of age on nicotinic cholinergic regulation of blood flow in rat's olfactory bulb and neocortex. J Physiol Sci 2024; 74:18. [PMID: 38491428 PMCID: PMC10941616 DOI: 10.1186/s12576-024-00913-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The olfactory bulb receives cholinergic basal forebrain inputs as does the neocortex. With a focus on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), this review article provides an overview and discussion of the following findings: (1) the nAChRs-mediated regulation of regional blood flow in the neocortex and olfactory bulb, (2) the nAChR subtypes that mediate their responses, and (3) their activity in old rats. The activation of the α4β2-like subtype of nAChRs produces vasodilation in the neocortex, and potentiates olfactory bulb vasodilation induced by olfactory stimulation. The nAChR activity producing neocortical vasodilation was similarly maintained in 2-year-old rats as in adult rats, but was clearly reduced in 3-year-old rats. In contrast, nAChR activity in the olfactory bulb was reduced already in 2-year-old rats. Thus, age-related impairment of α4β2-like nAChR function may occur earlier in the olfactory bulb than in the neocortex. Given the findings, the vasodilation induced by α4β2-like nAChR activation may be beneficial for neuroprotection in the neocortex and the olfactory bulb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Uchida
- Department of Autonomic Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 35-2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan.
| | - Fusako Kagitani
- Department of Autonomic Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 35-2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
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Izuo N, Watanabe N, Noda Y, Saito T, Saido TC, Yokote K, Hotta H, Shimizu T. Insulin resistance induces earlier initiation of cognitive dysfunction mediated by cholinergic deregulation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13994. [PMID: 37822109 PMCID: PMC10652326 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although insulin resistance increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the mechanisms remain unclear, partly because no animal model exhibits the insulin-resistant phenotype without persistent hyperglycemia. Here we established an AD model with whole-body insulin resistance without persistent hyperglycemia (APP/IR-dKI mice) by crossbreeding constitutive knock-in mice with P1195L-mutated insulin receptor (IR-KI mice) and those with mutated amyloid precursor protein (AppNL-G-F mice: APP-KI mice). APP/IR-dKI mice exhibited cognitive impairment at an earlier age than APP-KI mice. Since cholinergic dysfunction is a major characteristic of AD, pharmacological interventions on the cholinergic system were performed to investigate the mechanism. Antagonism to a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 (nAChRα7) suppressed cognitive function and cortical blood flow (CBF) response to cholinergic-regulated peripheral stimulation in APP-KI mice but not APP/IR-dKI mice. Cortical expression of Chrna7, encoding nAChRα7, was downregulated in APP/IR-dKI mice compared with APP-KI. Amyloid β burden did not differ between APP-KI and APP/IR-dKI mice. Therefore, insulin resistance, not persistent hyperglycemia, induces the earlier onset of cognitive dysfunction and CBF deregulation mediated by nAChRα7 downregulation. Our mouse model will help clarify the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naotaka Izuo
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Graduate School of MedicineChiba UniversityChibaJapan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of ToyamaToyamaJapan
| | - Nobuhiro Watanabe
- Department of Autonomic NeuroscienceTokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and GerontologyTokyoJapan
| | - Yoshihiro Noda
- Department of Animal FacilityTokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and GerontologyTokyoJapan
| | - Takashi Saito
- Laboratory for Proteolytic NeuroscienceRIKEN Center for Brain ScienceWakoJapan
- Department of Neurocognitive ScienceInstitute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaJapan
| | - Takaomi C. Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic NeuroscienceRIKEN Center for Brain ScienceWakoJapan
| | - Koutaro Yokote
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Graduate School of MedicineChiba UniversityChibaJapan
| | - Harumi Hotta
- Department of Autonomic NeuroscienceTokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and GerontologyTokyoJapan
| | - Takahiko Shimizu
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology and Gerontology, Graduate School of MedicineChiba UniversityChibaJapan
- Aging Stress Response Research Project TeamNational Center for Geriatrics and GerontologyObuJapan
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Hotta H, Suzuki H, Inoue T, Stewart M. Involvement of the basal nucleus of Meynert on regional cerebral cortical vasodilation associated with masticatory muscle activity in rats. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2020; 40:2416-2428. [PMID: 31847668 PMCID: PMC7820681 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x19895244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We examined the neural mechanisms for increases in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the neocortex associated with mastication, focusing on the cortical vasodilative system derived from the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM). In pentobarbital-anesthetized rats, parietal cortical rCBF was recorded simultaneously with electromyogram (EMG) of jaw muscles, local field potentials of frontal cortex, multi-unit activity of NBM neurons, and systemic mean arterial pressure (MAP). When spontaneous rhythmic EMG activity was observed with cortical desynchronization, an increase in NBM activity and a marked rCBF increase independent of MAP changes were observed. A similar rCBF increase was elicited by repetitive electrical stimulation of unilateral cortical masticatory areas. The magnitude of rCBF increase was partially attenuated by administration of the GABAergic agonist muscimol into the NBM. The rCBF increase persisted after immobilization with systemic muscle relaxant (vecuronium). rCBF did not change when jaw muscle activity was induced by electrical stimulation of the pyramidal tract. The results suggest that activation of NBM vasodilator neurons contributes at least in part to the rCBF increase associated with masticatory muscle activity, and that the NBM activation is induced by central commands from the motor cortex, independently of feedback from brainstem central pattern generator or contracting muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harumi Hotta
- Department of Autonomic Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Harue Suzuki
- Department of Autonomic Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomio Inoue
- Department of Oral Physiology, School of Dentistry, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mark Stewart
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Neurology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Suzuki T, Waki H, Imai K, Hisajima T. Electroacupuncture of the Ophthalmic Branch of the Trigeminal Nerve: Effects on Prefrontal Cortex Blood Flow. Med Acupunct 2020; 32:143-149. [PMID: 32595821 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2019.1406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The current authors observed enhanced cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in response to 100-Hz electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. However, it is not yet clear if responsiveness to 100-Hz EA depends on stimulus intensity. This study examined the effects of stimulus strength on PFC CBF during 100-Hz EA of the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. Materials and Methods: Twelve subjects underwent 3 acupuncture sessions: I, control, no stimulation; II, 0.1 mA EA; and III, 0.2 mA EA). Needles were inserted 1 cm lateral of the head median line; the anterior insertion point was on the front hairline and the posterior insertion point was ∼7 cm behind the hairline. Stimulation frequency was set to 100-Hz. PFC CBF was measured in terms of oxygenated, deoxygenated, and total hemoglobin (OxyHb, DeoxyHb, TotalHb, respectively), using 16-channel (Ch) near-infrared spectroscopy. Results: Stimulation of 0.2 mA was associated with significant elevation of OxyHb levels in the 0.1 mA condition in Chs 6, 10, and 12. Ch 2-6, 10, 12 signals were notably higher than in the control condition. Stimulation of 0.2 mA and 0.1 mA were associated with significant declines in DeoxyHb levels, compared to the control condition in Ch 4. Finally, 0.2 mA stimulation in Chs 12 and 13 was associated with significant elevation of TotalHb levels in the control condition. Conclusions: Using 0.2-mA stimulation, 100-Hz EA of the ophthalmic nerve enhances PFC CBF more strongly than 0.1-mA stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Suzuki
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Teikyo Heisei University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideaki Waki
- Faculty of Health Care, Teikyo Heisei University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Research Institute of Oriental Medicine, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Imai
- Faculty of Health Care, Teikyo Heisei University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Research Institute of Oriental Medicine, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Hisajima
- Faculty of Health Care, Teikyo Heisei University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Research Institute of Oriental Medicine, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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The Changes in Blood Flow Seen in the Eye after Foot Acupuncture Treatment in Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:6405471. [PMID: 32328137 PMCID: PMC7165330 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6405471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide variety of eye diseases, although there is little evidence about the effects of acupuncture treatment and the mechanisms responsible for them. Foot acupuncture treatment has effects in both mice and humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acupuncture treatment on ocular blood flow in mice. We evaluated ocular blood flow in C57BL/6J mice after foot acupuncture treatment using laser speckle flowgraphy. The mean blur rate, which is an index of blood flow velocity, was increased in the foot acupuncture group. Our results showed that, after 3 minutes' foot acupuncture, ocular blood flow was significantly increased in both the blood vessels and tissue of the eye in C57BL/6J mice. Thus, performing acupuncture in mice might help to determine its effects. Furthermore, acupuncture is considered to be a possible treatment for ocular disease.
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Abstract
As the worldwide population ages, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) increases. However, the results of promising medications have been unsatisfactory. Chinese acupuncture has a long history of treating dementia, but lack of evidence from well-designed randomized controlled trials that validate its efficacy and safety, as well as its lack of clear underlying mechanisms, contribute to its limited application in clinical practice. In recent years, brain imaging technologies, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, have been used to assess brain responses to acupuncture in a dynamic, visual, and objective way. These techniques are frequently used to explore neurological mechanisms of responses to acupuncture in AD and provide neuroimaging evidence as well as starting points to elucidate the possible mechanisms. This review summarizes the existing brain imaging evidence that explains the effects of acupuncture for AD and analyzes brain responses to acupuncture at cognitive-related acupoints [Baihui (GV 20), Shenmen (HT 7), Zusanli (ST 36), Neiguan (PC 6), and Taixi (KI 3)] from perspectives of acupoint specificity and acupoint combinations. Key issues and directions to consider in future studies are also put forward. This review should deepen our understanding of how brain imaging studies can be used to explore the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture in AD.
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Regulation of cortical blood flow responses by the nucleus basalis of Meynert during nociceptive processing. Neurosci Res 2019; 149:22-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Nakahara H, Kawada T, Ueda SY, Kawai E, Yamamoto H, Sugimachi M, Miyamoto T. Acupoint dependence of depressor and bradycardic responses elicited by manual acupuncture stimulation in humans. J Physiol Sci 2019; 69:1077-1084. [PMID: 31707634 PMCID: PMC10717143 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-019-00728-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The cardiovascular effects of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) are modulated by inputs from peripheral sensors and other brain regions. However, it currently remains unknown whether the manual acupuncture (MA) stimulation of different acupuncture points evokes different responses by the heart and vasculature, a phenomenon known as "site specificity". Sixty healthy subjects were randomly divided into a control group and MA stimulation groups at the lower leg, ear, abdomen, and forearm. MA was performed at 1 Hz for 2 min. A depressor response was observed only in the lower leg stimulation group, in which mean blood pressure significantly decreased from 83.4 ± 10.1 to 80.9 ± 11.7 mmHg (p < 0.003). A bradycardic response was elicited in all MA stimulation groups. There was no significant differences in the magnitude of the bradycardic response between groups. MA-induced cardiovascular responses, which may be mediated by the modulation of ANS, differ depending on acupuncture points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidehiro Nakahara
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, 1-26-16 Nankokita, Suminoe, Osaka, 559-8611, Japan.
| | - Toru Kawada
- Department of Cardiovascular Dynamics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, 6-1 Kishibe-Shimmachi, Suita, Osaka, 564-8565, Japan
| | - Shin-Ya Ueda
- Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Eriko Kawai
- Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Hiromi Yamamoto
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, 377-2 Ohno-higashi, Sayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
| | - Masaru Sugimachi
- Department of Cardiovascular Dynamics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, 6-1 Kishibe-Shimmachi, Suita, Osaka, 564-8565, Japan
| | - Tadayoshi Miyamoto
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Osaka Sangyo University, Wellness 2008, 3-1-1, Nakagaito, Daito, Osaka, 573-1004, Japan
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Huang TH, Lin YW, Huang CP, Chen JM, Hsieh CL. Short-term auricular electrical stimulation rapidly elevated cortical blood flow and promoted the expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α4 in the 2 vessel occlusion rats model. J Biomed Sci 2019; 26:36. [PMID: 31078140 PMCID: PMC6511660 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0526-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vascular dementia is the second dementing illness after Alzheimer’s disease and caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, and affects cognitive abilities. Our previous study found that auricular electrical stimulation (ES) improved motor and learning impairment, and this phenomenon related with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) expressed cells. However, the underlying mechanism was not clear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of auricular ES on cortical blood flow (CBF) and acetylcholine (ACh) - nAChRs expressed cells. Methods Vascular dementia rat animal model was established by permanent occlusions of common carotid arteries with 6–0 nylon suture filament. At 21 day after surgery, motor impairment was confirmed by rotarod test. 15-Hz auricular ES were applied to the ears for 20 min and CBF was recorded at the mean time. The brains were immediately dissected for immunohistochemical stain and western blot analysis. Results Our results showed that 15-Hz auricular ES rapidly elevated CBF in the middle cerebral artery. The numbers of nAChR α4 immuno-positive cells and western blot levels were significally increased by 15-Hz auricular ES in the hippocampal CA2 output cortex. The numbers of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) – a key enzyme for biosynthesis of ACh – immuno-positive cells and western blot levels had no significant differences. Conclusions The present data suggested that the 15-Hz auricular ES for 20 min rapidly elevated cortical blood flow, promoted the expression of nAChR α4, and would be beneficial for the treatment of Alzheimer type and vascular type dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Hsiang Huang
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.,Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ping Huang
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ming Chen
- Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Engineering, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, 510, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan. .,Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan. .,Research Center for Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, China Medical Univeristy, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.
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Uchida S, Ito Y, Kagitani F. Effects of nicotine on odor-induced increases in regional blood flow in the olfactory bulb in rats. J Physiol Sci 2019; 69:425-431. [PMID: 30600444 PMCID: PMC10717050 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-018-00657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined the effects of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation on the odor-induced blood flow response in the olfactory bulb. In urethane-anesthetized rats, odor stimulation (5% amyl acetate, 30 s) produced an increase in olfactory bulb blood flow (reaching 107% ± 3% of the pre-stimulus basal values), without changes in frontal cortical blood flow or mean arterial pressure. Intravenous injection of nicotine (30 μg/kg), a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, significantly augmented the odor-induced increase response of olfactory bulb blood flow, without changes in the basal blood flow level. The nicotine-induced augmentation of the olfactory bulb blood flow response to odor was negated by dihydro-β-erythroidine, an α4β2-preferring nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. Our results suggest that the activation of α4β2-like neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain potentiates an odor-induced blood flow response in the olfactory bulb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Uchida
- Department of Autonomic Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan.
| | - Yoshie Ito
- Department of Autonomic Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
| | - Fusako Kagitani
- Department of Autonomic Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
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Uchida S, Taniguchi H, Ito Y, Kagitani F. Blood pressure-independent increase in the cortical cerebral blood flow induced by manual acupuncture of the auricular region in rats. J Physiol Sci 2019; 69:165-170. [PMID: 30191412 PMCID: PMC10717275 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-018-0637-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to determine whether acupuncture to the auricular region increases cortical regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). The rCBF was measured using laser speckle contrast imaging in urethane-anesthetized rats. Acupuncture stimulation was performed manually at the auricular concha or abdomen. The former's stimulation significantly increased the rCBF of the bilateral cerebral cortex in the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes without altering the systemic arterial pressure. In contrast, abdominal stimulation affected neither rCBF nor systemic arterial pressure. The increase in the rCBF was completely abolished by the severance of the somatic nerves that innervated the auricular region, comprising the trigeminal nerve, facial nerve, auricular branch of the vagal nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve, and great auricular nerve. Thus, application of acupuncture to the auricular region increases the rCBF without increasing arterial pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Uchida
- Department of Autonomic Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Taniguchi
- Department of Autonomic Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
| | - Yoshie Ito
- Department of Autonomic Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
| | - Fusako Kagitani
- Department of Autonomic Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
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Mast Cells and Nerve Signal Conduction in Acupuncture. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:3524279. [PMID: 29707031 PMCID: PMC5863328 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3524279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Nerve and mast cells are densely distributed around acupoints in connective tissue. To explore the internal relations between them in acupuncture effect, we examined dorsal root potential (DRP) response to acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) under sodium cromoglicate (DSCG, a mast cell stabilizer) intervention in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. We used single unit nerve recording techniques to collect nerve signals from DRP afferent nerves for a 45-minute period that includes 4 stages, that is, base, drug absorption, acupuncture, and recovery stages. We analyzed the recorded signals from time-domain and frequency-domain perspectives. The results showed that once acupuncture needle was inserted, twisting needle excited more nerves discharges than those at base discharges in ACU (from 35.1 ± 7.2 to 47 ± 9.2 Hz, P = 0.004), and there existed the same trend in Saline + ACU group (from 23.8 ± 2.6 to 29.8 ± 4.2 Hz, P = 0.059). There was no change of nerve discharges under twisting needle with injection of DSCG (from 34.8 ± 5.3 to 34.7 ± 4.4 Hz, P = 0.480). We conclude that acupuncture manipulation promotes neural signal production and DSCG could partly inhibit nerve discharges.
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Abstract
Acupuncture is potentially beneficial for post-stroke rehabilitation and is considered a promising preventive strategy for stroke. Electroacupuncture pretreatment or treatment after ischemic stroke by using appropriate electroacupuncture parameters generates neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects that increase cerebral blood flow, regulate oxidative stress, attenuate glutamate excitotoxicity, maintain blood-brain barrier integrity, inhibit apoptosis, increase growth factor production, and induce cerebral ischemic tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qwang-Yuen Chang
- Department of Family Medicine, Lin Shin Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, China
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- Research Center for Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture; Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, China
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Research Center for Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture; Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine; Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University; Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, China
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Uchida S, Bois S, Guillemot JP, Leblond H, Piché M. Systemic blood pressure alters cortical blood flow and neurovascular coupling during nociceptive processing in the primary somatosensory cortex of the rat. Neuroscience 2017; 343:250-259. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Acupuncture Increases the Excitability of the Cortico-Spinal System in Patients with Chronic Disorders of Consciousness Following Traumatic Brain Injury. J Altern Complement Med 2016; 22:887-894. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2014.0356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Yu Z, Zhang N, Lu CX, Pang TT, Wang KY, Jiang JF, Zhu B, Xu B. Electroacupuncture at ST25 inhibits jejunal motility: Role of sympathetic pathways and TRPV1. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:1834-1843. [PMID: 26855542 PMCID: PMC4724614 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i5.1834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate whether electroacupuncture (EA) at ST25 affects jejunal motility in vivo and if so, whether a sympathetic pathway is involved.
METHODS: Jejunal motility was assessed using a manometric balloon placed in the jejunum approximately about 3-5 cm away from the suspensory ligament of the duodenum in anesthetized animals. The effects of EA at ST25 were measured in male Sprague-Dawley rats, some of which were treated with propranolol or clenbuterol (EA intensities: 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 mA), and in male transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) (capsaicin receptor) knockout mice (EA intensities: 1, 2, and 4 mA).
RESULTS: Anesthetized rats exhibited three types of fasting jejunal motor patterns (types A, B, and C), and only type C rats responded to EA stimulation. In type C rats, EA at ST25 significantly suppressed the motor activity of the jejunum in an intensity-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of EA was weakened by propranolol (β adrenoceptor antagonist) and disappeared with clenbuterol (β adrenoceptor agonist) induced inhibition of motility, suggesting that the effect of EA on motility is mediated via a sympathetic pathway. Compared with wild-type mice, EA at ST25 was less effective in TRPV1 knockout mice, suggesting that this multi-modal sensor channel participates in the mechanism.
CONCLUSION: EA at ST25 was found to inhibit jejunal motility in an intensity-dependent manner, via a mechanism in which sympathetic nerves and TRPV1 receptors play an important role.
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Hotta H. Neurogenic control of parenchymal arterioles in the cerebral cortex. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2016; 225:3-39. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Lai X, Ren J, Lu Y, Cui S, Chen J, Huang Y, Tang C, Shan B, Nie B. Effects of acupuncture at HT7 on glucose metabolism in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease: an 18F-FDG-PET study. Acupunct Med 2015; 34:215-22. [PMID: 26654890 PMCID: PMC4941154 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2015-010865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore the effects of acupuncture at HT7 on different cerebral regions in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with the application of 18F-2-fluoro-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). Methods Sixty Wistar rats were included after undergoing a Y-maze electric sensitivity test. Ten rats were used as a healthy control group. The remaining 50 rats were injected stereotaxically with ibotenic acid into the right nucleus basalis magnocellularis and injected intraperitoneally with D-galactose. AD was successfully modelled in 36 rats, which were randomly divided into three groups (n=12 each): the AD group, which remained untreated; the AD+HT7 group, which received 20 sessions of acupuncture at HT7 over 1 month; and the AD+Sham group, which received acupuncture at a distant non-acupuncture point. Total reaction time (TRT) was measured by Y-maze and 18F-FDG-PET scans were conducted on day 1 and 30. PET images were processed with Statistical Parametric Mapping 8.0. Results Pre-treatment, TRT was greater in all AD groups versus controls (mean±SD 24.10±2.48 vs 41.34±5.00 s). Post-treatment, TRT was shortened in AD+HT7 versus AD+Sham and AD groups (p<0.0001, two-way analysis of variance). Glucose metabolic activity in the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, frontal lobe, and temporal lobe was decreased in AD rats compared with healthy controls and relatively elevated after HT7 acupuncture. Compared with sham acupuncture, HT7 needling had a greater positive influence on brain glucose metabolism. Conclusions Needling at HT7 can improve memory ability and cerebral glucose metabolic activity of the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and frontal/temporal lobes in an AD rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinsheng Lai
- Department of Acupuncture and Massage, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Ren
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangjia Lu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Medical College, Dongguan, China
| | - Shaoyang Cui
- Department of Acupuncture and Massage, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Futian TCM Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junqi Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, The 3rd affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Huang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunzhi Tang
- Department of Acupuncture and Massage, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoci Shan
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Analytical Techniques, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bingbing Nie
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Analytical Techniques, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Uchida S, Kagitani F. Effect of acupuncture-like stimulation on cortical cerebral blood flow in aged rats. J Physiol Sci 2015; 65:67-75. [PMID: 25300864 PMCID: PMC10717680 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-014-0340-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the effect of acupuncture-like stimulation on cortical cerebral blood flow (CBF) in aged rats and the contribution of the intracranial cholinergic vasodilatory system on its response. In urethane-anesthetized rats of 30-37 months of age, manual acupuncture-like stimulation of a forepaw produced an increase in the CBF, independent of systemic arterial pressure. The increase in the CBF induced by forepaw stimulation was abolished by intravenous administration of cholinergic receptor antagonists. Manual acupuncture-like stimulation of a forepaw increased extracellular acetylcholine release in the cerebral cortex. These results suggest that natural somatic afferent stimulation, such as acupuncture-like stimulation, activates the intracranial - most likely, basal forebrain - cholinergic vasodilatory system in the cerebral cortex, even in extremely aged rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Uchida
- Department of Autonomic Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan,
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Acar O, Esen T, Colakoglu B, Camli MF, Cakmak YO. Improving testicular blood flow with electroacupuncture-like percutaneous nerve stimulation in an experimental rat model of testicular torsion. Neuromodulation 2014; 18:324-8; discussion 328. [PMID: 25284428 DOI: 10.1111/ner.12246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to determine the blood-flow-enhancing effect of electroacupuncture (EA) in an experimental rat model of testicular torsion. METHODS At the first stage, 3D color Doppler ultrasound (3D-CDUS) scans were made to detect baseline perfusion of each testicle in 12 male albino Wistar rats. Then, the left testicles of all rats were twisted 180° clockwise, and 3D-CDUS recordings were repeated. In the next step, 10-Hz EA was applied for 5 min over the T13 and L4 dermatome territories in the study group of six rats. In the control group of six rats, acupuncture needles were inserted in the same manner, but EA was not applied. Baseline, posttorsion, and postintervention (EA and manual needling) 3D-CDUS perfusion recordings were interpreted as volumetric data, and group comparisons were performed. RESULTS After EA, we observed statistically significant perfusion improvements in both the ipsilateral torsed and contralateral nontorsed testicles. In the control group, testicular perfusion did not show a significant change after manual needling. CONCLUSION EA can improve testicular blood flow bilaterally in a rat model of unilateral testicular torsion at 180°.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Acar
- Department of Urology, VKF American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tarik Esen
- Department of Urology, VKF American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bulent Colakoglu
- Department of Radiology, VKF American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Fatih Camli
- Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Ozgur Cakmak
- Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Uchida S. Cholinergic Vasodilative System in the Cerebral Cortex: Effects of Acupuncture and Aging. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2014; 7:173-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
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Interaction of acupuncture and electroacupuncture on the pharmacokinetics of aspirin and the effect of brain blood flow in rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:670858. [PMID: 24371465 PMCID: PMC3858995 DOI: 10.1155/2013/670858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Revised: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Acupuncture and electroacupuncture have been used to improve the brain and motor functions of poststroke patients, and aspirin is used for the prevention of stroke recurrence. Our hypothesis is that acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatments may interact with aspirin in terms of pharmacokinetics via affecting the brain blood flow. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential interactions of acupuncture and electroacupuncture on the pharmacokinetics of aspirin. The effects of acupuncture treatments on brain blood flow were measured by the laser Doppler blood flow imager. The parallel pharmacokinetic study design included three groups: control, acupuncture, and electroacupuncture groups. Two acupoints, namely, Quchi (LI 11) and Zusanli (ST 36), were needled and stimulated electronically in anaesthetized rats. The concentrations of aspirin and its metabolite, salicylic acid were determined by microdialysis and HPLC analysis after aspirin administration (30 mg/kg, i.v.). The brain blood flow responded to electroacupuncture treatments, but the pharmacokinetic parameters of aspirin and salicylic acid in blood and brain were not significantly changed by acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatments. This study may, in part, offer some evidence to support the contention that there is no significant interaction for the combination of aspirin with acupuncture or electroacupuncture.
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Kim SA, Lee BH, Bae JH, Kim KJ, Steffensen SC, Ryu YH, Leem JW, Yang CH, Kim HY. Peripheral afferent mechanisms underlying acupuncture inhibition of cocaine behavioral effects in rats. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81018. [PMID: 24260531 PMCID: PMC3832370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Administration of cocaine increases locomotor activity by enhancing dopamine transmission. To explore the peripheral mechanisms underlying acupuncture treatment for drug addiction, we developed a novel mechanical acupuncture instrument (MAI) for objective mechanical stimulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether acupuncture inhibition of cocaine-induced locomotor activity is mediated through specific peripheral nerves, the afferents from superficial or deep tissues, or specific groups of nerve fibers. Mechanical stimulation of acupuncture point HT7 with MAI suppressed cocaine-induced locomotor activity in a stimulus time-dependent manner, which was blocked by severing the ulnar nerve or by local anesthesia. Suppression of cocaine-induced locomotor activity was elicited after HT7 stimulation at frequencies of either 50 (for Meissner corpuscles) or 200 (for Pacinian corpuscles) Hz and was not affected by block of C/Aδ-fibers in the ulnar nerve with resiniferatoxin, nor generated by direct stimulation of C/Aδ-fiber afferents with capsaicin. These findings suggest that HT7 inhibition of cocaine-induced locomotor activity is mediated by A-fiber activation of ulnar nerve that originates in superficial and deep tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seol Ah Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Bong Hyo Lee
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jong Han Bae
- Department of Physics, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Kwang Joong Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Scott C. Steffensen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Yeon-Hee Ryu
- Acupuncture, Moxibustion & Meridian Research Center, Division of Standard Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Joong Woo Leem
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chae Ha Yang
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, South Korea
- * E-mail: (CHY); (HYK)
| | - Hee Young Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, South Korea
- * E-mail: (CHY); (HYK)
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Sa ZY, Meng H, Zhang D, Ding GH. The Interaction of Mast Cells and Cardiac Sympathetic Nerves During Acupuncture in Acute Myocardial Ischemia Rats. Med Acupunct 2013. [DOI: 10.1089/acu.2013.0970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe-yan Sa
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Acupuncture and Meridians, Shanghai, China
- Fujian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Huang Meng
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Acupuncture and Meridians, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Acupuncture and Meridians, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang-hong Ding
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Acupuncture and Meridians, Shanghai, China
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Yang YJ, Kim YS, Shin MS, Chang HK, Lee TH, Sim YJ, Shin MC, Park HY, Kim S, Park HK, Kim CJ. Effects of acupuncture on the intrastriatal hemorrhage-induced caspase3 expression and newly cell birth in rats. Neurol Res 2013; 29 Suppl 1:S65-71. [PMID: 17359644 DOI: 10.1179/016164107x172266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracerebral hemorrhage is one of the most devastating types of stroke. Caspases are essential players in apoptotic cell death both as initiators and executioners. The v-Fos FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (Fos, c-Fos) is an immediate early gene, and Fos expression is sometimes used as a marker for stimuli-induced changes in the metabolic activity of neurons. The expressions of caspase3 and Fos are enhanced with neuroregeneration and with neuronal cell death, respectively. Cells proliferation the dentate gyrus of adult rodents is enhanced by certain pathologic events as seizures and ischemic insult, and such up-regulation of cell proliferation occurring during pathologic situations is thought to be a compensatory response to lesion-induced cell death in the brain. In the present study, we investigated the effects of acupuncture on the intrastriatal hemorrhage-induced caspase3 expression in the striatum and on the Fos expression and cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of rats. METHODS For this study, immunohistochemistry for caspase3, Fos and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) was performed. RESULTS Caspase3 expression in the striatum was increased by intrastriatal hemorrhage. Fos expression and cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of rats with intracerebral hemorrhage were also increased. Acupunctural treatment, especially at the ST36 acupoint, suppressed the intracerebral hemorrhage-induced caspase3 expression in the stratum, and it also inhibited expression of Fos and cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus. CONCLUSION In the present study, we have shown that acupuncture treatment has a neuroprotective effect on intrastrstriatal hemorrhage-induced neuronal cell death, and this suggests that acupuncture can aid in the recovery of the central nervous system following stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Jun Yang
- Department of Anatomy-Meridian, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyungwon University, Seongnam 461-701, Korea
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Tao J, Xue XH, Chen LD, Yang SL, Jiang M, Gao YL, Wang XB. Electroacupuncture improves neurological deficits and enhances proliferation and differentiation of endogenous nerve stem cells in rats with focal cerebral ischemia. Neurol Res 2013; 32:198-204. [DOI: 10.1179/174313209x414506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Electroacupuncture acutely improves cerebral blood flow and attenuates moderate ischemic injury via an endothelial mechanism in mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56736. [PMID: 23418594 PMCID: PMC3572074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) is a novel therapy based on traditional acupuncture combined with modern eletrotherapy that is currently being investigated as a treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Here, we studied whether acute EA stimulation improves tissue and functional outcome following experimentally induced cerebral ischemia in mice. We hypothesized that endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-mediated perfusion augmentation was related to the beneficial effects of EA by interventions in acute ischemic injury. EA stimulation at Baihui (GV20) and Dazhui (GV14) increased cerebral perfusion in the cerebral cortex, which was suppressed in eNOS KO, but there was no mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) response. The increased perfusion elicited by EA were completely abolished by a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) blocker (atropine), but not a β-adrenergic receptor blocker (propranolol), an α-adrenergic receptor blocker (phentolamine), or a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) blocker (mecamylamine). In addition, EA increased acetylcholine (ACh) release and mAChR M3 expression in the cerebral cortex. Acute EA stimulation after occlusion significantly reduced infarct volume by 34.5% when compared to a control group of mice at 24 h after 60 min-middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) (moderate ischemic injury), but not 90-min MCAO (severe ischemic injury). Furthermore, the impact of EA on moderate ischemic injury was totally abolished in eNOS KO. Consistent with a smaller infarct size, acute EA stimulation led to prominent improvement of neurological function and vestibule-motor function. Our results suggest that acute EA stimulation after moderate focal cerebral ischemia, but not severe ischemia improves tissue and functional recovery and ACh/eNOS-mediated perfusion augmentation might be related to these beneficial effects of EA by interventions in acute ischemic injury.
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Uchida S, Hotta H. Acupuncture affects regional blood flow in various organs. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 5:145-51. [PMID: 18604254 PMCID: PMC2396473 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nem051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2007] [Accepted: 04/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In this review, our recent studies using anesthetized animals concerning the neural mechanisms of vasodilative effect of acupuncture-like stimulation in various organs are briefly summarized. Responses of cortical cerebral blood flow and uterine blood flow are characterized as non-segmental and segmental reflexes. Among acupuncture-like stimuli delivered to five different segmental areas of the body; afferent inputs to the brain stem (face) and to the spinal cord at the cervical (forepaw), thoracic (chest or abdomen), lumbar (hindpaw) and sacral (perineum) levels, cortical cerebral blood flow was increased by stimuli to face, forepaw and hindpaw. The afferent pathway of the responses is composed of somatic groups III and IV afferent nerves and whose efferent nerve pathway includes intrinsic cholinergic vasodilators originating in the basal forebrain. Uterine blood flow was increased by cutaneous stimulation of the hindpaw and perineal area, with perineal predominance. The afferent pathway of the response is composed of somatic group II, III and IV afferent nerves and the efferent nerve pathway includes the pelvic parasympathetic cholinergic vasodilator nerves. Furthermore, we briefly summarize vasodilative regulation of skeletal muscle blood flow via a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) induced by antidromic activation of group IV somatic afferent nerves. These findings in healthy but anesthetized animals may be applicable to understanding the neural mechanisms improving blood flow in various organs following clinical acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Uchida
- Department of the Autonomic Nervous System, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
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Chou WC, Liu HJ, Lin YW, Cheng CY, Li TC, Tang NY, Hsieh CL. 2 Hz Electro-Acupuncture at Yinlingquan (SP9) and Ququan (LR8) Acupoints Induces Changes in Blood Flow in the Liver and Spleen. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 40:75-84. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x12500061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, channels and collaterals within the body provide pathways through which qi and blood travel, and each channel or collateral is linked with a specific organ. The Yinlingquan (spleen 9, SP9) and Ququan (liver 8, LR8) acupoints represent the sea points of the spleen and liver meridians, respectively, from which qi and blood flow into their specific visceral organs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in blood flow/perfusion in the liver and spleen resulting from the application of 2 Hz electro-acupuncture (EA) to the Yinlingquan (SP9) or Ququan (LR8) acupoints. A total of 18 Spragrue-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups of six rats each as follows: sham group receiving sham EA; Yinlingquan (SP9) group receiving 2 Hz EA, applied at bilateral Yinlingquan (SP9) acupoints; and Ququan (LR8) groups receiving 2 Hz EA, applied at bilateral Ququan (LR8) acupoints. The mean blood flow/perfusion of the spleen and liver was recorded using a laser Doppler blood flow monitor prior to EA (representing the baseline), during EA, and post-EA. Each measurement period lasted ten minutes. Nitric oxide levels were also measured from the right femoral arterial blood, following the conclusion of each series of blood flow/perfusion recordings. The results indicate that the sham EA did not increase the mean blood flow/perfusion in the liver or spleen; 2 Hz EA at bilateral Yinlingquan (SP9) acupoints increased the mean blood flow/perfusion in the spleen, but not in the liver. In contrast, 2 Hz EA at bilateral Ququan (LR8) acupoints increased the mean blood flow/perfusion in the liver, but not in the spleen. Nitric oxide levels showed no significant difference between any of the groups at any stage of the measurements. According to the results, we conclude that EA at the Yinlingquan (SP9) and Ququan (LR8) acupoints can increase the blood flow in the spleen and liver, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Cheng Chou
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Jan Liu
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Yi Cheng
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Chung Li
- College of Public Health, Graduate Institute of Biostatistics, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Nou-Ying Tang
- College of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Acupuncture Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Uchida S, Suzuki A, Kagitani F, Nakajima K, Aikawa Y. Effect of Moxibustion Stimulation of Various Skin Areas on Cortical Cerebral Blood Flow in Anesthetized Rats. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 31:611-21. [PMID: 14587883 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x03001247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The effect of moxibustion stimulation of various skin areas (cheek, forepaw, upper arm, chest, back, lower leg, hindpaw and perineum) on cerebral blood flow (CBF) of the parietal cortex was examined in anesthetized rats after eliminating emotional influences. Moxibustion stimulation was performed by burning a moxa cone of about 4 mg weight placed on the shaved skin. CBF of the parietal cortex was measured using a laser Doppler flowmeter. Stimulation of the cheek, forepaw, upper arm and hindpaw produced significant increases in CBF, but stimulation of the other areas did not produce significant responses. Moxibustion stimulation of the forepaw and hindpaw produced an increase in the mean arterial pressure (MAP), while stimulation of the other areas did not. After spinal transection at the 2nd thoracic level, the MAP response to stimulation of the forepaw was abolished, whereas the CBF response to stimulation of the forepaw remained. The CBF response in spinalized rats was not affected by cutting cervical sympathetic and facial parasympathetic nerves, while it was almost abolished by intravenous administration of muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic blocking agents. The CBF response was abolished by crushing the brachial plexus ipsilateral to the stimulated side. It is suggested that the increase in CBF, independent of MAP and emotional responses, elicited by moxibustion stimulation is a reflex response whose afferent pathway is composed of somatic afferent nerves, and whose efferent pathway involves intracerebral cholinergic nerves. A contribution of endogenous opioids in the present CBF responses was neglected, because naloxone did not influence the CBF responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Uchida
- Motor and Autonomic Nervous System Integration Research Group, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan.
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Park KH, Baik JK, Yoo TW. What is Evidence-Based Acupuncture? A Comparative Review of Traditional Acupuncture and Korean Hand Acupuncture Therapy. Med Acupunct 2012. [DOI: 10.1089/acu.2011.0817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Hyun Park
- Department of Neurology, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | | | - Tae Woo Yoo
- Korean Hand Acupuncture Therapy Institute, Seoul, South Korea
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Hotta H, Uchida S. Aging of the autonomic nervous system and possible improvements in autonomic activity using somatic afferent stimulation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010; 10 Suppl 1:S127-36. [PMID: 20590828 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2010.00592.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
There are significant age-related changes in autonomic nervous system function that are responsible for an impaired ability to adapt to environmental or intrinsic visceral stimuli in the elderly. We review data on changes in autonomic nervous system regulation of cardiovascular and urinary function, as well as data on strategies to improve function. There are data showing alterations in peripheral and central autonomic nerve activity, and decreases in neurotransmitter receptor action that lead to diminished autonomic reactivity (e.g. blood pressure and cerebral blood flow regulation) and poorly coordinated autonomic discharge (e.g. bladder function). Simple strategies for autonomic function improvement and increasing cortical blood flow include walking and somatic afferent stimulation (e.g. stroking skin or acupuncture) to increase sympathetic, parasympathetic and central cholinergic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harumi Hotta
- Department of the Autonomic Nervous System, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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Abstract
Acupuncture has been used for analgesia, for treating visceral function disorders and for improving motor functions. It is well established that stimulation of the skin and muscles, either electrically or with noxious or non-noxious stimuli, induces a variety of somato-motor and autonomic responses. This strongly suggests that acupuncture acts by exciting cutaneous and/or muscular afferent nerve fibers. A question of considerable scientific and practical interest is what kinds of somatic afferent fibers are stimulated by acupuncture and are involved in its effects. There are several types of afferent fiber: thick myelinated Aα and Aβ (group I and II), thin myelinated Aδ (group III) and thinner unmyelinated C (group IV) fibers. In recent studies we have tried to establish which ones of these types of somatic afferent fiber are stimulated by acupuncture. In this article we first review the experimental evidence showing that the effects of acupuncture are mediated by the activation of afferent nerve fibers innervating the skin and muscles. Secondly, we discuss what types of afferent nerve fiber are activated by electrical acupuncture, and what types are involved in its effects on somato-motor functions and on visceral functions. Finally, we present some new findings based on recordings from single afferent nerve fibers excited by manual acupuncture.
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Uchida S, Kagitani F, Hotta H. Neural mechanisms of reflex inhibition of heart rate elicited by acupuncture-like stimulation in anesthetized rats. Auton Neurosci 2010; 157:18-23. [PMID: 20460195 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2010.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2009] [Revised: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We briefly review our recent studies on the neural mechanisms of the reflex effects of acupuncture-like stimulation on heart rate in rats. In pentobarbital anesthetized rats, acupuncture-like stimulation of one of various segmental areas of the body (forelimb, chest, abdomen, hindlimb) invariably induces a decrease in heart rate. In the case of the hindlimb, the effect can be produced by stimulation of the muscles alone but not of skin alone, and is abolished by severance of the hindlimb somatic nerves. Electrical stimulation of groups III and IV nerve fibers (in the tibial nerve) decreases heart rate. Decrease in heart rate by acupuncture-like stimulation of a hindlimb is accompanied by a decrease in cardiac sympathetic nerve activity, and is abolished by cardiac sympathectomy but not by vagotomy. High spinal cord transection or infusion of the GABA(A) receptors antagonist, bicuculline, into the cisterna magna is effective in disrupting the reflex bradycardia. Opioid receptor blockade does not disrupt the reflex arc. We conclude that the reflex pathway involved in the decrease of heart rate by acupuncture-like stimulation comprises groups III and IV muscle afferent nerves whose activation stimulates GABAergic neurons in the brainstem and inhibits sympathetic outflow to the heart. When the sympathetic tone is high due to hypercapnia, the induced reduction in both cardiac sympathetic nerve activity and heart rate is not augmented, suggesting that the magnitude of sympatho-inhibitory response to acupuncture-like stimulation does not depend on pre-existing sympathetic tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Uchida
- Department of Autonomic Neuroscience, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan.
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Piché M, Uchida S, Hara S, Aikawa Y, Hotta H. Modulation of somatosensory-evoked cortical blood flow changes by GABAergic inhibition of the nucleus basalis of Meynert in urethane-anaesthetized rats. J Physiol 2010; 588:2163-71. [PMID: 20442268 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2010.187633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular changes associated with brain functions are thought to be tightly coupled with neuronal activity through neuronal glucose consumption or the local release of vasoactive agents. In contrast, another view suggests that cortical blood flow is strongly regulated by the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM), independently of regional metabolism. Thus, although cortical regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) variations induced by somatosensory stimulation are strongly linked to neuronal activity, they may also be partly controlled by the NBM. In the present study, cortical rCBF alterations in response to innocuous brushing of the hindlimb (HL) were investigated by laser speckle contrast imaging. The contribution of NBM to these changes was examined after injection of the GABAergic agonist muscimol into the right NBM, allowing comparison of somatosensory-evoked cortical rCBF modifications before and after NBM inactivation. As expected, HL brushing elicited a robust rCBF increase in the contralateral parietal cortex (PC), over the representation of the HL. However, these alterations were decreased, by approximately 40%, in the hemisphere ipsilateral to muscimol inactivation of NBM, whereas vehicle injection did not produce any significant variation. The results demonstrate that cortical rCBF changes induced by somatosensory stimulation are partly regulated by NBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Piché
- Department of Chiropractic, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
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Choi DC, Lee JY, Moon YJ, Kim SW, Oh TH, Yune TY. Acupuncture-mediated inhibition of inflammation facilitates significant functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Neurobiol Dis 2010; 39:272-82. [PMID: 20382225 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2010.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2010] [Revised: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 04/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we first demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of acupuncture after SCI. Acupuncture applied at two specific acupoints, Shuigou (GV26) and Yanglingquan (GB34) significantly alleviated apoptotic cell death of neurons and oligodendrocytes, thereby leading to improved functional recovery after SCI. Acupuncture also inhibited caspase-3 activation and reduced the size of lesion cavity and extent of loss of axons. We also found that the activation of both p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and resident microglia after injury are significantly attenuated by acupuncture. In addition, acupuncture significantly reduced the expression or activation of pro-nerve growth factor, proinflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, nitric oxide synthase, cycloxygenase-2, and matrix metalloprotease-9 after SCI. Thus, our results suggest that the neuroprotection by acupuncture may be partly mediated via inhibition of inflammation and microglial activation after SCI and acupuncture can be used as a potential therapeutic tool for treating acute spinal injury in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doo C Choi
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
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Noguchi E, Ohsawa H, Takagi K. Neural mechanism of localized changes in skeletal muscle blood flow caused by moxibustion-like thermal stimulation of anesthetized rats. J Physiol Sci 2009; 59:421-7. [PMID: 19633910 PMCID: PMC10717530 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-009-0052-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2009] [Accepted: 06/30/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Moxibustion-like thermal stimulation (MTS) was applied to the gastrocnemius muscle to measure local muscle blood flow (MBF) in the stimulated region and the change in the MBF in the region, and its mechanism was examined. In the experiment, we used urethane-anesthetized rats under artificial respiration and observed the change caused by gastrocnemius MTS using a laser Doppler blood-flow meter. MTS applied to the gastrocnemius muscle caused a two-phase response in blood flow that showed a transient decrease followed by an increase without blood pressure change. It is suggested that the increase in response occurs because of an axon reflex that has a reflex arc below the spinal cord, and the decrease in response is caused by direct stimulation of postganglionic muscle sympathetic fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eitaro Noguchi
- Department of Health, Faculty of Health Science, Tsukuba University of Technology, Kasuga 4-12-7, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8521, Japan.
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Komori M, Takada K, Tomizawa Y, Nishiyama K, Kondo I, Kawamata M, Ozaki M. Microcirculatory Responses to Acupuncture Stimulation and Phototherapy. Anesth Analg 2009; 108:635-40. [DOI: 10.1213/ane.0b013e31819317bc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Point- and frequency-specific response of the testicular artery to abdominal electroacupuncture in humans. Fertil Steril 2008; 90:1732-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2007] [Revised: 08/04/2007] [Accepted: 08/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Study of neuropathways of acupuncture effect on functional regulation and disease treatment. JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE AND TUINA SCIENCE 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s11726-008-0261-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Mechanism of the reflex inhibition of heart rate elicited by acupuncture-like stimulation in anesthetized rats. Auton Neurosci 2008; 143:12-9. [PMID: 18693143 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2008.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2008] [Revised: 06/18/2008] [Accepted: 06/28/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture or acupuncture-like stimulation applied to different body areas can modify autonomic nerve activity to various organs, including gut, bladder, adrenal medulla, and the heart. We studied the reflex bradycardia in response to insertion into the skin and underlying muscles and twisting of an acupuncture needle in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. We found that acupuncture-like stimulation of forelimb, hindlimb, chest, and abdomen all produced significant heart rate decreases. Rate minima were reached at the end of the 60-second stimulation episode and significant bradycardia persisted for about 40 s after stimulation ended. Heart rate decreases were paralleled by decreases in cardiac sympathetic nerve activity, and could be produced by electrical stimulation of group IV muscle afferent fibers (tibial nerve). Electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve at rates as low as 0.1-2 Hz was effective for eliciting heart rate decreases. Nerve fiber groups were defined by stimulation of and recording from tibial nerve. Activation of groups I, II, or III fiber was ineffective for eliciting the reflex bradycardia. Sympathectomy, high spinal transection, or infusion of the GABA(A) receptor antagonist, bicuculline, into the cisterna magna were all effective for disrupting the reflex bradycardia. Vagotomy and opioid receptor blockade were ineffective for disrupting the reflex pathway. We conclude that the reflex pathway to decrease heart rate by acupuncture-like stimulation consists of mainly group IV muscle afferent fibers whose activity (even very low rate of activity) leads to the activation of GABA-ergic neurons in the brainstem and an inhibition of sympathetic outflow to the heart.
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Effects of acupuncture on abdominal leak point pressure and c-Fos expression in the brain of rats with stress urinary incontinence. Neurosci Lett 2008; 439:18-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.04.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2008] [Revised: 04/29/2008] [Accepted: 04/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Uchida S, Shimura M, Ohsawa H, Suzuki A. Neural mechanism of bradycardiac responses elicited by acupuncture-like stimulation to a hind limb in anesthetized rats. J Physiol Sci 2007; 57:377-82. [PMID: 18081987 DOI: 10.2170/physiolsci.rp008407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2007] [Accepted: 12/16/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The effects of acupuncture-like stimulation of a hind limb on heart rate were examined in anesthetized rats. An acupuncture needle, having a diameter of either 160 or 340 microm, was inserted into the skin and underlying muscles at a depth of about 5 mm and twisted right and left twice every second for 1 min. Stimulation by a needle with a diameter of either 160 or 340 microm produced a decrease in heart rate. Severance of the femoral and sciatic nerves ipsilateral to the hind-limb stimulation completely abolished the bradycardiac response. Also, heart rate was significantly decreased by acupuncture-like stimulation of the hind-limb muscles alone, but was not significantly influenced by the stimulation of the hind-limb skin alone. The bradycardiac response induced by acupuncture-like stimulation was not influenced by bilateral severance of the vagal nerves at the cervical level, but was abolished by bilateral stellectomy. Acupuncture-like stimulation of the hind limb induced a decrease in the activity of the cardiac sympathetic efferent nerve as well as a decrease in heart rate. These results indicate that the decrease in heart rate induced by acupuncture-like stimulation of a hind limb is a reflex response. The afferent pathway is composed of hind-limb muscle afferents, and the efferent pathway is composed of cardiac sympathetic nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Uchida
- Department of the Autonomic Nervous System, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
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Lundeberg T, Lund I. Did ‘the Princess on the Pea— Suffer from Fibromyalgia Syndrome? Acupunct Med 2007; 25:184-97. [DOI: 10.1136/aim.25.4.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome characterised by central sensitisation resulting in hypersentivity of the skin and deeper tissues as well as fatigue. Possibly the princess in Hans Christian Andersen's ‘The Princess and the Pea’ suffered from FMS since chronic sleep disturbances are typical in FMS. These sleep disturbances have been attributed to a dysfunction in the systems regulating sleep and wakefulness resulting in loss of deep sleep. In addition, many patients with FMS experience cognitive dysfunction, characterised by impaired concentration and short term memory consolidation, a complaint also commonly reported in other sleep disorders. In recent reviews evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture in FMS it has been concluded that acupuncture has no specific effect. A prerequisite for this conclusion is that all the major symptoms in the syndrome have been assessed. However, previous studies have generally focused on the pain alleviating effect of acupuncture in FMS. We have observed that not only pain but also sleep and cognitive dysfunction may be ameliorated in response to acupuncture, suggesting that these variables should be taken into account when evaluating the effects of acupuncture in FMS. Furthermore, the results demonstrated great individual variability apart from the systematic effects related to the group, indicating that individually performed treatment strategies are required. Our suggestion is supported by experimental and clinical studies showing that acupuncture may affect in somnia and alertness, and that there may be neurophysiologic bases for these specific effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lundeberg
- Rehabilitation Medicine, University Clinic, Danderyds Hospital AB, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iréne Lund
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Hotta H, Uchida S, Shiba K. Cerebral cortical blood flow response during basal forebrain stimulation in cats. Neuroreport 2007; 18:809-12. [PMID: 17471071 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0b013e3280d9e9ce] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We examined whether stimulation of the basal forebrain affects regional cerebral blood flow in the primary somatosensory cortex in cats. In anesthetized cats with spinal cord transection at the T1 level, focal electrical stimulation of the unilateral basal forebrain increased the blood flow of the ipsilateral primary somatosensory cortex that was increased by stimulation of the contralateral forepaw, without any change in blood pressure. The response was the largest when the tip of the electrode was located within the area known to contain the basal forebrain neurons projecting to the primary somatosensory cortex. These results suggest that basal forebrain neurons projecting to the primary somatosensory cortex have a vasodilative function in cats, as previously found in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harumi Hotta
- Department of the Autonomic Nervous System, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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Tsuru H, Kawakita K. Acupuncture on the blood flow of various organs measured simultaneously by colored microspheres in rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2007; 6:77-83. [PMID: 18955224 PMCID: PMC2644281 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nem068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We examined how acupuncture affected the blood flow of muscle, kidney, stomach, small intestine, brain, lung, heart, spleen and liver. Wistar rats anesthetized with urethane (n = 27) were allocated into the control (n = 10), ST-7 (Hsia-Kuan, n = 10) and LI-4 (Hoku, n = 7) groups. To measure organ blood flow, colored microspheres (CMS) were injected through a catheter positioned in the left ventricle and blood samples were drawn from the femoral artery. Yellow CMS (3.6–4.2 × 105) and blue CMS (6.0–6.9 × 105) were injected at intervals of about 30 min. An acupuncture needle (φ 340 μm) was inserted into the left ST-7 point (left masseter muscle) or the right LI-4 point after the first sampling and left for about 30 min (10 twists at 1 Hz, 2-min intervals). The mean blood flow of nine organs varied widely from 4.03 to 0.20 (ml/min/g). Acupuncture to the ST-7 produced significant changes of the blood flow (percentage change from baseline) in the muscle, kidney, brain and heart (P < 0.05, versus control), but those of LI-4 were not significant. The blood flow of the left masseter muscle after acupuncture to ST-7 (left masseter muscle) tended to increase (P = 0.08). Changes in blood pressure during the experimental periods were almost similar among these three groups. Acupuncture stimulation increases the blood flow of several organs by modulating the central circulatory systems, and the effects differed with sites of stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Tsuru
- Department of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion III, Meiji University of Oriental Medicine Hiyoshi-cho, Nantan - shi, Kyoto 629 - 0392, Japan. E-
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Takaoka Y, Ohta M, Ito A, Takamatsu K, Sugano A, Funakoshi K, Takaoka N, Sato N, Yokozaki H, Arizono N, Goto S, Maeda E. Electroacupuncture suppresses myostatin gene expression: cell proliferative reaction in mouse skeletal muscle. Physiol Genomics 2007; 30:102-10. [PMID: 17341691 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00057.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may provide patients with an alternative to traditional medicine, but an assessment of its efficacy is required. One CAM method, electroacupuncture (EA) treatment, is a maneuver that utilizes stimulation of acupuncture needles with a low-frequency microcurrent. To study the effect of short-term EA, we evaluated the differential expression of genes induced by EA in mouse skeletal muscle for up to 24 h. We then used RT-PCR to confirm the expression patterns of six differentially expressed genes. Bioinformatics analysis of their transcription control regions showed that EA-inducible genes have numerous common binding motifs that are related to cell differentiation, cell proliferation, muscle repair, and hyperplasia. These results suggested that EA treatment may induce cell proliferation in skeletal muscle. To verify this possibility, we used EA to stimulate mouse skeletal muscle daily for up to 1 mo and examined the long-term effects. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that nuclei of muscle cells treated with EA for 1 mo, especially nuclei of satellite cells, reacted with anti-human PCNA. Also, expression of the gene encoding myostatin, which is a growth repressor in muscle satellite cells, was suppressed by daily EA treatment for 1 wk; EA treatment for 1 mo resulted in more marked suppression of the gene. These molecular findings constitute strong evidence that EA treatment suppresses myostatin expression, which leads to a satellite cell-related proliferative reaction and repair in skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Takaoka
- Laboratory for Applied Genome Science, Clinical Genome Informatics Center, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
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Sakai S, Hori E, Umeno K, Kitabayashi N, Ono T, Nishijo H. Specific acupuncture sensation correlates with EEGs and autonomic changes in human subjects. Auton Neurosci 2007; 133:158-69. [PMID: 17321222 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2007.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2006] [Revised: 12/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sympathetic overactivation is suggested to be associated with chronic pain syndrome, and acupuncture is frequently applied in therapy for this syndrome. Furthermore, the forebrain including the various cerebral cortices has been implicated in inhibitory and facilitatory control of pain as well as autonomic functions. We investigated relationships among specific sensations induced by acupuncture manipulation, effects on sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic functions, and EEG changes. An acupuncture needle was inserted into the right trapezius muscle of the subjects, and acupuncture manipulation was repeated to induce specific acupuncture sensation repeatedly while the needle was left in the muscle. Acupuncture manipulation significantly decreased heart rate (HR), and increased systolic blood pressure (SBP). Spectral analysis indicated that acupuncture manipulation significantly decreased low frequency components (LF) of both HR variability (HRV) and SBP variability (SBPV), and significantly reduced ratio of LF to high frequency component (HF) of HRV (LF/HF, index of sympathetic activity). Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between changes in LF/HF ratio of HRV and the number of specific acupuncture sensations reported, and a significant positive correlation between HF of HRV and the number of acupuncture sensations. Analyses of EEG data indicated that acupuncture manipulation non-specifically increased power of all spectral bands except the gamma band. Furthermore, changes in HF (index of parasympathetic activity) and total power (overall activity of the autonomic nervous system) of HRV were positively correlated with changes in theta, alpha, and gamma power, while changes in LF of SBPV and LF/HF of HRV were negatively correlated with changes in power of all spectral bands. These results are consistent with the suggestion that autonomic changes induced by manipulation inducing specific acupuncture sensations might be mediated through the central nervous system, especially through the forebrain as shown in EEG changes, and are beneficial to relieve chronic pain by inhibiting sympathetic nervous activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigekazu Sakai
- System Emotional Science, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent studies have suggested that acupuncture can ameliorate some symptoms commonly associated with vascular dementia (VaD). The study was carried out to observe the clinical therapeutic effects for VaD of 'yi qi tiao xue, fu ben pei yuan' acupuncture method (supplementing vital force-matter and regulating blood, supporting the root and fostering the source). METHODS Sixty inpatients with VaD were randomly assigned to the treat group (TG) or control group (CG). Both the TG and the CG received routine treatment as other inpatients with VaD, including medication and traditional acupuncture treatment. After that, the TG was given the treatment of 'yi qi tiao xue, fu ben pei yuan' acupuncture, which included five body acupoints, namely, tanzhong (CV17), zhongwan (CV12), qihai (CV6), zusanli (ST36) and xuehai (SP10). The Treatment was performed once daily for 6 weeks. The mini-mental status examination (MMSE), the revised Hasegawa's dementia scale (HDS-R) and activities of daily living (ADL) exam were carried out before and after the experiment, to evaluate therapeutic effects of the acupuncture method. RESULTS The MMSE, HDS-R and ADL scores were significantly improved in the TG and CG (p<0.001). But the overall scores of MMSE and HDS-R for the subjects in the TG were notably higher than those in the CG (p<0.05). Patients in the TG showed remarkable improvement in memory, orientation, calculation and self-managing ability in daily living after treatment. The total effective rate was 80.0% in the TG versus 46.7% in the CG, where significant difference between the two groups exhibited (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that 'yi qi tiao xue, fu ben pei yuan' acupuncture method had significant therapeutic effects and well tolerated in ameliorate the key clinical symptoms of VaD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchun Yu
- Gerontological Department, the First Hospital Affiliated to Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
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