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Lee J, Kim D, Park M, Ryu J, Park H, Kim T, Kim D, Ju SY, Kim J. Spatiotemporally Controllable Electrical Stimulator via Independent Photobending and Upconversion Photoluminescence Using Two Different Wavelengths of Near-Infrared/Visible Light as Dual Stimuli. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:46311-46321. [PMID: 37690085 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c08807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Multistimuli responsive materials are advantageous in that they can enhance the desired response or bypass unwanted reactions. Light is one of the most attractive stimuli since it allows remote spatiotemporal control and multiplexing of properties (e.g., wavelength, intensity, irradiation time, pulsed/continuous wave) for application on multiphotoresponsive materials. However, the operating wavelength for such photoresponsive systems often includes an ultraviolet (UV) range that limits its use in the biomedical field. Herein, we investigate near-infrared (NIR)/visible (Vis) light-responsive nanocomposite films composed of rare earth element (i.e., Yb, Er)-doped NaYF4 nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in azobenzene-incorporated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (AzoPDMS), silk fibroin, and silver nanowire (AgNW) layers. Photobending (PB) of the nanocomposite film is induced by a Vis light of 400-700 nm, while upconversion photoluminescence (UCPL) of embedded NPs is activated by an NIR light of 980 nm. The excitation wavelength of photoluminescence (PL) is shifted to the NIR (λ = 980 nm) range via photon upconversion in rare earth element-doped NPs. Independent operation of PB and UCPL enables both on-demand electrical switching and real-time location monitoring for spatiotemporally controlled electrical pulse stimulation. As a result, the dual-photoresponsive nanocomposite film can be utilized as a remotely controllable electrical stimulator and location indicator via different wavelengths of light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Lee
- School of Integrated Technology, College of Computing, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjun Kim
- School of Integrated Technology, College of Computing, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsuk Park
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehyeok Ryu
- School of Integrated Technology, College of Computing, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunbin Park
- Integrative Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Graduate School, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Taehee Kim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongho Kim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yong Ju
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Kim
- School of Integrated Technology, College of Computing, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Science and Engineering Division, Underwood International College, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
- Integrative Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Graduate School, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
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Lv Q, Wu F, Gan X, Yang X, Zhou L, Chen J, He Y, Zhang R, Zhu B, Liu L. The Involvement of Descending Pain Inhibitory System in Electroacupuncture-Induced Analgesia. Front Integr Neurosci 2019; 13:38. [PMID: 31496944 PMCID: PMC6712431 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2019.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a major health problem, which can impair quality of life and reduce productivity. Electroacupuncture (EA), a modality of medicine based on the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), presents great therapeutic effects on chronic pain. Its clinical application has gained increasing popularity, and in parallel, more research has been performed on the mechanisms of EA-induced analgesia. The past decades have seen enormous advances both in neuronal circuitry of needle-insertion and in its molecular mechanism. EA may block pain by activating the descending pain inhibitory system, which originates in the brainstem and terminates at the spinal cord. This review article synthesizes corresponding studies to elucidate how EA alleviate pain via the mediation of this descending system. Much emphasis has been put on the implication of descending serotonergic and noradrenergic pathways in the process of pain modulation. Also, other important transmitters and supraspinal regions related to analgesic effects of EA have been demonstrated. Finally, it should be noticed that there exist some shortcomings involved in the animal experimental designed for EA, which account for conflicting results obtained by different studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyi Lv
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fengzhi Wu
- Journal Center of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiulun Gan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xueqin Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Zhou
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yinjia He
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bixiu Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lanying Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing, China
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Engineer ND, Kimberley TJ, Prudente CN, Dawson J, Tarver WB, Hays SA. Targeted Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Rehabilitation After Stroke. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:280. [PMID: 30983963 PMCID: PMC6449801 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and in approximately 60% of individuals, upper limb deficits persist 6 months after stroke. These deficits adversely affect the functional use of the upper limb and restrict participation in day to day activities. An important goal of stroke rehabilitation is to improve the quality of life by enhancing functional independence and participation in activities. Since upper limb deficits are one of the best predictors of quality of life after stroke, effective interventions targeting these deficits may represent a means to improve quality of life. An increased understanding of the neurobiological processes underlying stroke recovery has led to the development of targeted approaches to improve motor deficits. One such targeted strategy uses brief bursts of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) paired with rehabilitation to enhance plasticity and support recovery of upper limb function after chronic stroke. Stimulation of the vagus nerve triggers release of plasticity promoting neuromodulators, such as acetylcholine and norepinephrine, throughout the cortex. Timed engagement of neuromodulators concurrent with motor training drives task-specific plasticity in the motor cortex to improve function and provides the basis for paired VNS therapy. A number of studies in preclinical models of ischemic stroke demonstrated that VNS paired with rehabilitative training significantly improved the recovery of forelimb motor function compared to rehabilitative training without VNS. The improvements were associated with synaptic reorganization of cortical motor networks and recruitment of residual motor neurons controlling the impaired forelimb, demonstrating the putative neurobiological mechanisms underlying recovery of motor function. These preclinical studies provided the basis for conducting two multi-site, randomized controlled pilot trials in individuals with moderate to severe upper limb weakness after chronic ischemic stroke. In both studies, VNS paired with rehabilitation improved motor deficits compared to rehabilitation alone. The trials provided support for a 120-patient pivotal study designed to evaluate the efficacy of paired VNS therapy in individuals with chronic ischemic stroke. This manuscript will discuss the neurobiological rationale for VNS therapy, provide an in-depth discussion of both animal and human studies of VNS therapy for stroke, and outline the challenges and opportunities for the future use of VNS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa J. Kimberley
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Jesse Dawson
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Seth A. Hays
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
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Lee G, Kim W. The Modulatory Effect of Acupuncture on the Activity of Locus Coeruleus Neuronal Cells: A Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2017; 2017:9785345. [PMID: 29234450 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9785345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Locus Coeruleus (LC) is a small collection of noradrenergic neurons located in the pons. In the brain, noradrenaline (NE) is primarily produced by noradrenergic cell groups in the LC, which is the largest group of noradrenergic neurons in the central nervous system. Acupuncture, including the electroacupuncture which is a modified acupuncture method, is known to be effective in various kinds of diseases, and the involvement of noradrenergic system in the central nervous system has been reported by previous studies. However, on whether acupuncture can modulate the LC neuronal cells activities, results vary from studies to studies. In this paper, we included twelve articles, which observed the effect of acupuncture on the activities of LC in humans and animals. Our study shows that, among twelve included studies, six reported decrease of LC activities, whereas six showed increase of LC activities after acupuncture treatment. Although it is difficult to draw a firm conclusion, the authors suggest that the difference of frequencies may play an important role in the modulatory effect of acupuncture on LC. Further studies are needed to clarify the precise mechanism of acupuncture on LC, as it can lead to a new therapeutic method for various LC-NE related diseases.
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Choi J, Jeon C, Lee JH, Jang JU, Quan FS, Lee K, Kim W, Kim SK. Suppressive Effects of Bee Venom Acupuncture on Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Rats: Mediation by Spinal α₂-Adrenergic Receptor. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9110351. [PMID: 29088102 PMCID: PMC5705966 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9110351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel, a chemotherapy drug for solid tumors, induces peripheral painful neuropathy. Bee venom acupuncture (BVA) has been reported to have potent analgesic effects, which are known to be mediated by activation of spinal α-adrenergic receptor. Here, we investigated the effect of BVA on mechanical hyperalgesia and spinal neuronal hyperexcitation induced by paclitaxel. The role of spinal α-adrenergic receptor subtypes in the analgesic effect of BVA was also observed. Administration of paclitaxel (total 8 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) on four alternate days (days 0, 2, 4, and 6) induced significant mechanical hyperalgesic signs, measured using a von Frey filament. BVA (1 mg/kg, ST36) relieved this mechanical hyperalgesia for at least two hours, and suppressed the hyperexcitation in spinal wide dynamic range neurons evoked by press or pinch stimulation. Both melittin (0.5 mg/kg, ST36) and phospholipase A2 (0.12 mg/kg, ST36) were shown to play an important part in this analgesic effect of the BVA, as they significantly attenuated the pain. Intrathecal pretreatment with the α₂-adrenergic receptor antagonist (idazoxan, 50 µg), but not α₁-adrenergic receptor antagonist (prazosin, 30 µg), blocked the analgesic effect of BVA. These results suggest that BVA has potent suppressive effects against paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain, which were mediated by spinal α₂-adrenergic receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiho Choi
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Changhoon Jeon
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Ji Hwan Lee
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Jo Ung Jang
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Fu Shi Quan
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Kyungjin Lee
- Department of Herbology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Woojin Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Sun Kwang Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdamoon-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
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Kim MJ, Lee JH, Jang JU, Quan FS, Kim SK, Kim W. The efficacy of combination treatment of gabapentin and electro-acupuncture on paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol 2017; 21:657-666. [PMID: 29200909 PMCID: PMC5709483 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2017.21.6.657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Paclitaxel, a chemotherapeutic drug, induces severe peripheral neuropathy. Gabapentin (GBT) is a first line agent used to treat neuropathic pain, and its effect is mediated by spinal noradrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Electro-acupuncture (EA) is used for treating various types of pain via its action through spinal opioidergic and noradrenergic receptors. Here, we investigated whether combined treatment of these two agents could exert a synergistic effect on paclitaxel-induced cold and mechanical allodynia, which were assessed by the acetone drop test and von Frey filament assay, respectively. Significant signs of allodynia were observed after four paclitaxel injections (a cumulative dose of 8 mg/kg, i.p.). GBT (3, 30, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) or EA (ST36, Zusanli) alone produced dose-dependent anti-allodynic effects. The medium and highest doses of GBT (30 and 100 mg/kg) provided a strong analgesic effect, but they induced motor dysfunction in Rota-rod tests. On the contrary, the lowest dose of GBT (3 mg/kg) did not induce motor weakness, but it provided a brief analgesic effect. The combination of the lowest dose of GBT and EA resulted in a greater and longer effect, without inducing motor dysfunction. This effect on mechanical allodynia was blocked by spinal opioidergic (naloxone, 20 μg), or noradrenergic (idazoxan, 10 μg) receptor antagonist, whereas on cold allodynia, only opioidergic receptor antagonist blocked the effect. In conclusion, the combination of the lowest dose of GBT and EA has a robust and enduring analgesic action against paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain, and it should be considered as an alternative treatment method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Joon Kim
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Ji Hwan Lee
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Jo Ung Jang
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Fu Shi Quan
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Sun Kwang Kim
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.,Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.,Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Woojin Kim
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.,Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
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Chen SP, Kan Y, Zhang JL, Wang JY, Gao YH, Qiao LN, Feng XM, Yan YX, Liu JL. Involvement of hippocampal acetylcholinergic receptors in electroacupuncture analgesia in neuropathic pain rats. Behav Brain Funct 2016; 12:13. [PMID: 27068709 PMCID: PMC4828850 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-016-0096-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cumulating evidence has shown a close correlation between electroacupuncture stimulation (EAS) frequency-specific analgesic effect and central opioid peptides. However, the actions of hippocampal acetylcholinergic receptors have not been determined. This study aims to observe the effect of different frequencies of EAS on the expression of hippocampal muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholinergic receptors (mAChRs, nAChRs) in neuropathic pain rats for revealing their relationship. METHODS Forty male Wistar rats were randomly and equally divided into sham, CCI model, 2, 2/15 and 100 HzEA groups. The neuropathic pain model was established by ligature of the left sciatic nerve to induce chronic constriction injury (CCI). EAS was applied to bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Yanglingquan (GB34) for 30 min, once daily for 14 days except weekends. The mechanical pain thresholds (withdrawal latencies, PWLs) of bilateral hindpaws were measured. The expression levels of hippocampal M1 and M2 mAChR, and α4 and β2 nAChR genes and proteins were detected by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot, separately. The involvement of mAChR and nAChR in the analgesic effect of EAS was confirmed by intra-hippocampal microinjection of M1mAChR antagonist (Pirenzepine) and α4β2 nAChR antagonist (dihydro-beta-erythroidine) respectively. RESULTS Following EAS, the CCI-induced increase of difference values of bilateral PWLs on day 6 and 14 was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), with 2/15 Hz being greater than 100 Hz EAS on day 14 (P < 0.05). After 2 weeks' EAS, the decreased expression levels of M1 mAChR mRNA of both 2 and 2/15 Hz groups and M1 mAChR protein of the three EAS groups, α4 AChR mRNA of the 2/15 Hz group and β2 nAChR protein of the three EAS groups were considerably increased (P < 0.05), suggesting an involvement of M1 mAChR and β2 nAChR proteins in EAS-induced pain relief. No significant changes were found in the expression of M2 mAChR mRNA and protein, α4 nAChR protein and β2 nAChR mRNA after CCI and EAS (P > 0.05). The analgesic effect of EAS was abolished by intra-hippocampal microinjection of M1mAChR and α4β2 nAChR antagonists respectively. CONCLUSIONS EAS of ST36-GB34 produces a cumulative analgesic effect in neuropathic pain rats, which is frequency-dependent and probably mediated by hippocampal M1 mAChR and β2 nAChR proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Ping Chen
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yu Kan
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jian Liang Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jun Ying Wang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yong Hui Gao
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Li Na Qiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Acu-Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu Mei Feng
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Ya Xia Yan
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jun Ling Liu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie Street, Dongzhimennei, Beijing, 100700, China.
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Pilurzi G, Mercante B, Ginatempo F, Follesa P, Tolu E, Deriu F. Transcutaneous trigeminal nerve stimulation induces a long-term depression-like plasticity of the human blink reflex. Exp Brain Res 2015; 234:453-61. [PMID: 26514812 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-015-4477-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The beneficial effects of trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) on several neurological disorders are increasingly acknowledged. Hypothesized mechanisms include the modulation of excitability in networks involved by the disease, and its main site of action has been recently reported at brain stem level. Aim of this work was to test whether acute TNS modulates brain stem plasticity using the blink reflex (BR) as a model. The BR was recorded from 20 healthy volunteers before and after 20 min of cyclic transcutaneous TNS delivered bilaterally to the infraorbital nerve. Eleven subjects underwent sham-TNS administration and were compared to the real-TNS group. In 12 subjects, effects of unilateral TNS were tested. The areas of the R1 and R2 components of the BR were recorded before and after 0 (T0), 15 (T15), 30 (T30), and 45 (T45) min from TNS. In three subjects, T60 and T90 time points were also evaluated. Ipsi- and contralateral R2 areas were significantly suppressed after bilateral real-TNS at T15 (p = 0.013), T30 (p = 0.002), and T45 (p = 0.001), while R1 response appeared unaffected. The TNS-induced inhibitory effect on R2 responses lasted up to 60 min. Real- and sham-TNS protocols produced significantly different effects (p = 0.005), with sham-TNS being ineffective at any time point tested. Bilateral TNS was more effective (p = 0.009) than unilateral TNS. Acute TNS induced a bilateral long-lasting inhibition of the R2 component of the BR, which resembles a long-term depression-like effect, providing evidence of brain stem plasticity produced by transcutaneous TNS. These findings add new insight into mechanisms of TNS neuromodulation and into physiopathology of those neurological disorders where clinical benefits of TNS are recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Pilurzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 10, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Beniamina Mercante
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Francesca Ginatempo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Paolo Follesa
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Eusebio Tolu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Franca Deriu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
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Chang CS, Ko CW, Lien HC, Chou MC. Effect of Electroacupuncture on St. 36 (Zusanli) and LI. 10 (Shousanli) Acupuncture Points on Heart Rate Variability. Am J Chin Med 2012; 38:231-9. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x10007804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation of St. 36 (Zusanli) has been shown to enhance the regularity of gastric myoelectrical activity in healthy subjects. However, the underlying mechanism by which acupuncture alters gastric myoelectrical activity is still not clear. To elucidate the possible role of the autonomic nervous system in mediating the effect of acupuncture, we monitored heart rate variability (HRV), a widely used index of vagal discharge at the sinoatrial node of the heart before, during and after electroacupuncture. In this study, we applied two different frequencies (2 Hz and 100 Hz) of electrical stimulation at St. 36 (Zusanli) and LI. 10 (Shousanli) in 15 healthy volunteers. Low frequency (LF, sympathetic activity), high frequency (HF, vagal activity) and LF/HF ratio (sympathovagal balance) were analyzed and compared at the two different frequencies. The results showed an increase in the LF/HF ratio (indicating greater sympathetic activity) during the post-acupuncture period using 2 Hz of electrical stimulation at St. 36 (Zusanli). However, the overall change was not statistically significant. In addition, the power of LF and HF did not change significantly with electroacupuncture at St. 36 (Zusanli) and LI. 10 (Shousanli). In conclusion, applying 2 Hz or 100 Hz electroacupuncture at St. 36 (Zusanli) or LI. 10 (Shousanli) did not affect cardiovagal activity in normal volunteers. This phenomenon might be due to a difference in presentation in the autonomic nervous system between cardiac and abdominal vagal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Sen Chang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Wang Ko
- Division of Gastroenterology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- National Yang-Ming Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chung Lien
- Division of Gastroenterology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- National Yang-Ming Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Chou
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taiwan
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Zhang ZJ, Wang XM, McAlonan GM. Neural acupuncture unit: a new concept for interpreting effects and mechanisms of acupuncture. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2012; 2012:429412. [PMID: 22474503 DOI: 10.1155/2012/429412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2011] [Revised: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
When an acupuncture needle is inserted into a designated point on the body and
mechanical or electrical stimulation is delivered, various neural and neuroactive
components are activated. The collection of the activated neural and neuroactive
components distributed in the skin, muscle, and connective tissues surrounding the
inserted needle is defined as a neural acupuncture unit (NAU). The traditionally defined
acupoints represent an anatomical landmark system that indicates local sites where NAUs
may contain relatively dense and concentrated neural and neuroactive components, upon
which acupuncture stimulation would elicit a more efficient therapeutic response. The
NAU-based local mechanisms of biochemical and biophysical reactions play an important
role in acupuncture-induced analgesia. Different properties of NAUs are associated with
different components of needling sensation. There exist several central pathways to
convey NAU-induced acupuncture signals, Electroacupuncture (EA) frequency-specific
neurochemical effects are related to different peripheral and central pathways transmitting
afferent signals from different frequency of NAU stimulation. More widespread and intense
neuroimaging responses of brain regions to acupuncture may be a consequence of more
efficient NAU stimulation modes. The introduction of the conception of NAU provides a
new theoretical approach to interpreting effects and mechanisms of acupuncture in
modern biomedical knowledge framework.
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11
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Piquet M, Balestra C, Sava SL, Schoenen JE. Supraorbital transcutaneous neurostimulation has sedative effects in healthy subjects. BMC Neurol 2011; 11:135. [PMID: 22035386 PMCID: PMC3261828 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-11-135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2010] [Accepted: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcutaneous neurostimulation (TNS) at extracephalic sites is a well known treatment of pain. Thanks to recent technical progress, the Cefaly® device now also allows supraorbital TNS. During observational clinical studies, several patients reported decreased vigilance or even sleepiness during a session of supraorbital TNS. We decided therefore to explore in more detail the potential sedative effect of supraorbital TNS, using standardized psychophysical tests in healthy volunteers. Methods We performed a double-blind cross-over sham-controlled study on 30 healthy subjects. They underwent a series of 4 vigilance tests (Psychomotor Vigilance Task, Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency, Fatigue Visual Numeric Scale, d2 test). Each subject was tested under 4 different experimental conditions: without the neurostimulation device, with sham supraorbital TNS, with low frequency supraorbital TNS and with high frequency supraorbital TNS. Results As judged by the results of three tests (Psychomotor Vigilance Task, Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency, Fatigue Visual Numeric Scale) there was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) decrease in vigilance and attention during high frequency TNS, while there were no changes during the other experimental conditions. Similarly, performance on the d2 test was impaired during high frequency TNS, but this change was not statistically significant. Conclusion Supraorbital high frequency TNS applied with the Cefaly® device decreases vigilance in healthy volunteers. Additional studies are needed to determine the duration of this effect, the underlying mechanisms and the possible relation with the stimulation parameters. Meanwhile, this effect opens interesting perspectives for the treatment of hyperarousal states and, possibly, insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Piquet
- Environmental, Occupational and Ageing Physiology Laboratory, DAN Europe Research, Haute Ecole Paul Henri Spaak, I.S.E.K., Brussels, Belgium.
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12
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Freire AO, Sugai GCM, Togeiro SM, Mello LE, Tufik S. Immediate effect of acupuncture on the sleep pattern of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Acupunct Med 2010; 28:115-9. [PMID: 20615853 DOI: 10.1136/aim.2009.001867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) do not tolerate treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure, the 'gold standard' treatment for this condition. It was shown in a pilot study that acupuncture was more effective than placebo treatment (sham acupuncture) in producing significant changes in the respiratory events assessed by polysomnography (PSG). OBJECTIVES To investigate the immediate effect of manual acupuncture (MA) and electroacupuncture (EA) on the sleep pattern of patients presenting with moderate OSA. METHODS 40 patients with an Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI) of 15-30/h were randomly allocated to MA treatment (n=10), EA 10 Hz treatment (n=10), EA 2 Hz treatment (n=10) and a no-treatment control group (n=10). The patients received MA or EA (2 or 10 Hz) just before the PSG study at 20:00. RESULTS The AHI (p=0.005; p=0.005), the Apnoea Index (p=0.038; p=0.009) and the respiratory events (p=0.039; p=0.014) decreased significantly in the MA and EA 10 Hz groups, respectively (AHI (21.9, 11.2), Apnoea Index (5.15, 0.7), respiratory events (120.5, 61.0) in the MA group before and after. AHI (20.6, 9.9), Apnoea Index (8.2, 0.3), respiratory events (117.0, 56.0) in the EA 10 Hz group before and after). The micro-arousals decreased only in the MA group (146.0 vs 88.5, p=0.0002). There were no significant changes in the EA 2 Hz group or in the control group. CONCLUSION A single session of either MA or EA 10 Hz had an acute effect in reducing the AHI as well as the number of nocturnal respiratory events of patients presenting with moderate OSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaflávia O Freire
- Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Unifesp Rua Botucatu 862, 04023-062 São Paulo/SP, Brazil.
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13
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Napadow V, Dhond R, Park K, Kim J, Makris N, Kwong KK, Harris RE, Purdon PL, Kettner N, Hui KKS. Time-variant fMRI activity in the brainstem and higher structures in response to acupuncture. Neuroimage 2009; 47:289-301. [PMID: 19345268 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2009.03.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2008] [Revised: 03/23/2009] [Accepted: 03/25/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture modulation of activity in the human brainstem is not well known. This structure is plagued by physiological artifact in neuroimaging experiments. In addition, most studies have used short (<15 min) block designs, which miss delayed responses following longer duration stimulation. We used brainstem-focused cardiac-gated fMRI and evaluated time-variant brain response to longer duration (>30 min) stimulation with verum (VA, electro-stimulation at acupoint ST-36) or sham point (SPA, non-acupoint electro-stimulation) acupuncture. Our results provide evidence that acupuncture modulates brainstem nuclei important to endogenous monoaminergic and opioidergic systems. Specifically, VA modulated activity in the substantia nigra (SN), nucleus raphe magnus, locus ceruleus, nucleus cuneiformis, and periaqueductal gray (PAG). Activation in the ventrolateral PAG was greater for VA compared to SPA. Linearly decreasing time-variant activation, suggesting classical habituation, was found in response to both VA and SPA in sensorimotor (SII, posterior insula, premotor cortex) brain regions. However, VA also produced linearly time-variant activity in limbic regions (amygdala, hippocampus, and SN), which was bimodal and not likely habituation--consisting of activation in early blocks, and deactivation by the end of the run. Thus, acupuncture induces different brain response early, compared to 20-30 min after stimulation. We attribute the fMRI differences between VA and SPA to more varied and stronger psychophysical response induced by VA. Our study demonstrates that acupuncture modulation of brainstem structures can be studied non-invasively in humans, allowing for comparison to animal studies. Our protocol also demonstrates a fMRI approach to study habituation and other time-variant phenomena over longer time durations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaly Napadow
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
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14
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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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15
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Yoon SY, Kwon YB, Kim HW, Roh DH, Seo HS, Han HJ, Lee HJ, Beitz AJ, Hwang SW, Lee JH. Peripheral bee venom's anti-inflammatory effect involves activation of the coeruleospinal pathway and sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Neurosci Res 2007; 59:51-9. [PMID: 17588699 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2007.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2007] [Revised: 05/18/2007] [Accepted: 05/25/2007] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
There are several reports indicating that the locus coeruleus (LC) is capable of altering immune responses. Moreover, it is well established that the LC is the major source of descending noradrenergic system. Recently we have demonstrated that subcutaneous bee venom (BV) injection dramatically suppressed peripheral inflammation through activation of sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs) leading to release of adreno-medullary catecholamines. Importantly, this 'BV-induced anti-inflammatory effect' (BVAI) is also associated with an increase of the activity of LC. Based on these data, present study examined whether BV-induced LC activation increased the activity of SPNs and this pathway played a role in BVAI using a zymosan-induced inflammatory air pouch model in mice. Unilateral BV injection into left hind limb produced anti-inflammation and specifically increased Fos expression in SPNs of the T7-T11 (which mainly project to adrenal medulla), but not those of the T1-T6 or T12-L2 spinal cord. 6-Hydroxydopamine-induced unilateral lesion of the contralateral, but not ipsilateral (to the BV injection site) LC significantly blocked BVAI and BV-induced Fos expression in SPNs. Additionally, intrathecal administration of idazoxan (alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist), blocked BVAI. These results indicate that BV-induced activation of the contralateral LC-descending noradrenergic pathway increased the activity of SPNs that project to the adrenal medulla and this pathway is necessary for BVAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo-Yeon Yoon
- Biotherapy Human Resources Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwang-ju, South Korea
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16
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Kim HW, Kang SY, Yoon SY, Roh DH, Kwon YB, Han HJ, Lee HJ, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Low-frequency electroacupuncture suppresses zymosan-induced peripheral inflammation via activation of sympathetic post-ganglionic neurons. Brain Res 2007; 1148:69-75. [PMID: 17367766 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2006] [Revised: 02/09/2007] [Accepted: 02/13/2007] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) is used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases; however, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying EA's anti-inflammatory effect remain unclear. Accumulating evidence suggests that the sympathetic nervous system regulates immunologic and inflammatory responses and thus we hypothesized that this system could be involved in EA's anti-inflammatory effect (EA-AI). The goal of the present study was to evaluate whether the sympathetic nervous system plays a critical role in EA-AI using a mouse air pouch inflammation model. We found that bilateral low-frequency (1 Hz) EA applied to the Zusanli acupoint significantly suppressed the number of zymosan-induced leukocytes migrating into the air pouch. Furthermore, double-labeling immunohistochemical experiments showed that EA stimulation increased Fos expression in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-positive sympathetic pre-ganglionic neurons in the intermediolateral region of thoracic spinal cord segments. Chemical sympathetic denervation by intraperitoneal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (which spares sympathetic adrenal medullary innervation) significantly inhibited EA-AI. In contrast, adrenalectomy did not alter EA-AI. Finally, systemic propranolol administration significantly inhibited EA's anti-inflammatory effect, suggesting that beta-adrenoceptors are involved. Collectively, these results suggest that EA produces an anti-inflammatory effect in this mouse air pouch model by activating the sympathetic nervous system leading to the release of catecholamines from post-ganglionic nerve terminals, which act on beta-adrenoceptors on immune cells to inhibit their migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Woo Kim
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 Program for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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17
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Shen EY, Lai YJ. The efficacy of frequency-specific acupuncture stimulation on extracellular dopamine concentration in striatum--a rat model study. Neurosci Lett 2007; 415:179-84. [PMID: 17280787 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2007.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2006] [Revised: 12/07/2006] [Accepted: 01/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture is a practice that has existed in Chinese society for thousands of years. Today, it is gaining greater acceptance and integration into medical practices of the western world. Its mechanism, however, remains elusive. Our study shows that only specific stimulation frequencies at specific acupoints will induce dopamine release in the corpus striatum, as demonstrated by in vivo microdialysis performed on Sprague-Dawley rats. In the first trial, electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at 15 Hz and 15 mA was conducted at six different points on the upper limbs of the experimental rats. These points mimic acupoints along six different meridians in the human body. Only Point 2 (corresponding to Pericardium 7) induced a response. In the second trial, EA stimulation at varying frequencies of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27 and 30 Hz, and 15 mA were conducted through Point 2. Stimulation at 6 and 15 Hz induced an immediate response; 21 Hz induced a response only after the ceasing of stimulation. All other frequencies failed to induce a response. The data point to the importance of frequency-specific stimulation at specific acupoints for the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. We speculate that each meridian entails a stimulus of a specific frequency and intensity, which induces the release of its associated neurotransmitters or cytokines. This is a concept with far-reaching clinical implications for acupuncture therapy, including the treatment of dopamine-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ein-Yiao Shen
- Clinic of Acupuncture Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Wanfang Medical Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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18
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Scherder E, Knol D, van Tol MJ, van Someren E, Deijen JB, Swaab D, Scheltens P. Effects of high-frequency cranial electrostimulation on the rest-activity rhythm and salivary cortisol in Alzheimer's disease: a pilot study. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2007; 22:267-72. [PMID: 16912480 DOI: 10.1159/000095108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In a previous study, low-frequency (0.5 Hz) cranial electrostimulation (CES) neither improved the rest-activity rhythm nor reduced the level of salivary cortisol in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). To investigate whether the frequency of CES was responsible for these negative findings, we set out to examine the effects of high-frequency CES on the rest-activity rhythm and salivary cortisol of patients with probable AD. We hypothesized that a decreased level of cortisol would parallel a positive effect of high-frequency CES on nocturnal restlessness in AD patients. METHODS Twenty AD patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10). The experimental group was treated with high-frequency CES, the control group received sham stimulation, for 30 min a day, during 6 weeks. The rest-activity rhythm was assessed by actigraphy. Level of cortisol was measured by means of salivette tubes. RESULTS The rest-activity rhythm and the level of salivary cortisol did not react positively to high-frequency CES. In contrast, both groups showed an increase in the level of cortisol after the 6-week treatment period. CONCLUSIONS High-frequency CES appeared to be ineffective in AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Scherder
- Institute of Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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19
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Abstract
In a previous study, low-frequency cranial electrostimulation did not improve cognition and (affective) behavior in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, 21 Alzheimer's disease patients, divided into an experimental (n = 11) and a control group (n = 10), were treated for 30 mins/day, 5 days/wk, for 6 wks with high-frequency cranial electrostimulation. Similar to the previous study, no improvements on cognition and (affective) behavior were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J A Scherder
- Institute of Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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20
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Yoon SY, Kim HW, Roh DH, Kwon YB, Jeong TO, Han HJ, Lee HJ, Choi SM, Ryu YH, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. The anti-inflammatory effect of peripheral bee venom stimulation is mediated by central muscarinic type 2 receptors and activation of sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Brain Res 2005; 1049:210-6. [PMID: 15953592 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2005] [Revised: 05/06/2005] [Accepted: 05/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The anti-inflammatory effect (AI) induced by peripheral injection of diluted bee venom (dBV) involves activation of spinal cord circuits and is mediated by catecholamine release from adrenal medulla, but the precise neuronal mechanisms involved are not fully understood. In a recent study, we demonstrated that an increase in spinal acetylcholine is involved in mediating the anti-inflammatory effect of dBV and that this mediation also involves adrenomedullary activation. The present study utilized the mouse air pouch inflammation model to evaluate the involvement of spinal acetylcholine receptors and sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs) in dBV's anti-inflammatory effect (dBVAI). Intrathecal (IT) pretreatment with atropine (muscarinic cholinergic antagonist) but not hexamethonium (nicotinic cholinergic antagonist) significantly suppressed dBVAI on zymosan-evoked leukocyte migration. Subsequent experiments showed that IT pretreatment with methoctramine (a muscarinic receptor type 2; M(2) antagonist), but not pirenzepine (an M(1) antagonist) or 4-DAMP (an M(3) antagonist), suppressed the dBVAI. In addition, dBV stimulation specifically increased Fos expression in SPNs of the T7-T11, but not the T1-T6 or T12-L2 spinal cord segments, in animals with zymosan-induced inflammation. Moreover, IT methoctramine pretreatment suppressed this dBV-induced Fos expression specifically in SPNs of T7-T11 level. Peripheral sympathetic denervation using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) treatment (which spares sympathetic adrenal medullary innervation) did not alter dBVAI. Collectively these results indicate that dBV stimulation leads to spinal cord acetylcholine release that in turn acts on spinal M(2) receptors, which via a hypothesized disinhibition mechanism activates SPNs that project to the adrenal medulla. This activation ultimately leads to the release of adrenal catecholamines that contribute to dBVAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo-Yeon Yoon
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, South Korea
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21
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Scherder E, Knol D, van Someren E, Deijen JB, Binnekade R, Tilders F, Sergeant J. Effects of low-frequency cranial electrostimulation on the rest-activity rhythm and salivary cortisol in Alzheimer's disease. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2003; 17:101-8. [PMID: 12814055 DOI: 10.1177/0888439003017002004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In previous studies, cranial electrostimulation (CES) had positive effects on sleep in depressed patients and in patients with vascular dementia. The present study examined the effects of low-frequency CES on the rest-activity rhythm and cortisol levels of patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHOD It was hypothesised that a decreased level of cortisol would parallel a positive effect of low-frequency CES on nocturnal restlessness. Sixteen AD patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 8) or a control group (n = 8). The experimental group was treated with CES, whereas the control group received sham stimulation, for 30 minutes a day, during 6 weeks. The rest-activity rhythm was assessed by actigraphy. Cortisol was measured repeatedly in the saliva throughout the day by means of salivette tubes. RESULTS Low-frequency CES did not improve the rest-activity rhythm in AD patients. Moreover, both groups showed an increase instead of a decrease in the level of cortisol. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results suggest that low-frequency CES has no positive effect on the rest-activity rhythm in AD patients. An alternative research design with high-frequency CES in AD is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Scherder
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Vrije Universiteit, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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22
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Park HJ, Lee HS, Lee HJ, Yoo YM, Lee HJ, Kim SA, Leem K, Kim HC, Seo JC, Kim EH, Lim S, Chung JH. Decrease of the electroacupuncture-induced analgesic effects in nuclear factor-kappa B1 knockout mice. Neurosci Lett 2002; 319:141-4. [PMID: 11834313 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(01)02582-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the involvement of nuclear factor kappa B1 (NF-kappaB1; p50/p105) in electroacupuncture (EA)-induced analgesia, 2 and 100 Hz EA stimulations were applied at acupoint ST36 (Zusanli) in NF-kappaB1 knockout mice. EA was performed for 30 min and tail-flick latencies (TFLs) were evaluated every 15 min for 1 h. Wild-type mice displayed a 63.3% increase in TFLs compared to baseline after 2 Hz EA, whereas NF-kappaB1+/- mice exhibited a 41.8% increase and NF-kappaB1-/- mice showed only a 3.9% increase of TFLs. The TFLs of 100 Hz EA showed similar trends: a 72.6% increase of TFLs in wild-type, a 38.6% increase in NF-kappaB1+/- and a 9.3% increase in NF-kappaB1-/- mice. The present findings suggest that NF-kappaB1 may play a crucial role in both low and high frequency EA-induced analgesic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hi-Joon Park
- Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong, Dongdaemoongu, Seoul, South Korea
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