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OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of moxibustion at "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Dazhui" (GV 14) at different time points on the serum level of β-endorphin (β-EP), substance P (SP) and expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein in brainstem in rats with migraine, and to explore the effect and mechanism of moxibustion in preventing and treating migraine.@*METHODS@#Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a prevention+treatment (PT) group and a treatment group, 10 rats in each group. Except the blank group, the rats in the remaining groups were injected with nitroglycerin subcutaneously to prepare migraine model. The rats in the PT group were treated with moxibustion 7 days before modeling (once a day) and 30 min after modeling, while the rats in the treatment group were treated with moxibustion 30 min after modeling. The "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Dazhui" (GV 14) were taken for 30 minutes each time. The behavioral scores in each group were observed before and after modeling. After intervention, ELISA method was used to detect the serum level of β-EP and SP; the immunohistochemistry method was used to detect the number of positive cells of IL-1β in brainstem; the Western blot method was used to detect the expression of COX-2 protein in brainstem.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the blank group, the behavioral scores in the model group were increased 0-30 min, 60-90 min and 90-120 min after modeling (P<0.01); compared with the model group, in the treatment group and the PT group, the behavioral scores were decreased 60-90 min and 90-120 min after modeling (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the serum level of β-EP was decreased (P<0.01), while the serum level of SP, the number of positive cells of IL-1β in brainstem and the expression of COX-2 protein were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the PT group and and the treatment group, the serum level of β-EP was increased (P<0.01), while the serum level of SP, the number of positive cells of IL-1β and the expression of COX-2 protein in brainstem were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the treatment group, in the PT group, the serum level of β-EP was increased and COX-2 protein expression was decreased (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion could effectively relieve migraine. The mechanism may be related to reduce the serum level of SP, IL-1β and COX-2 protein expression in brainstem, and increase the serum level of β-EP, and the optimal effect is observed in the PT group.
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Rats , Male , Animals , Moxibustion , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Cyclooxygenase 2 , beta-Endorphin , Substance P , Interleukin-1beta , Migraine Disorders , Brain StemABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect on supplementary analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) treated with electroacupunture, and explore it's mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 40 patients with severe knee osteoarthritis were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 20 cases in each one. During the operation, patients were given epidural anesthesia in the two groups, conventional patient controlled epidural analgesia and oral celecoxib were applied after the operation. In the observation group, electroacupunture was used at Liangqiu (ST 34), Xuehai (SP 10), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40) and Qiuxu (GB 40) on the operation side from the 1st to 7th day after the operation to support analgesia, 30 min for each time, once a day. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to record postoperative pain of resting state and active state. The levels of serum prostaglandin E and β-endorphin were measured on the 1st and 7th day after surgery in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#In the observation group, the VAS scores of resting state and active state were superior to the control group on the 3rd, 5th and 7th day after the operaton (all <0.05); after the treatment, the level of serum β-endorphin was increased and the level of serum prostaglandin E was reduced in the two groups (all <0.05), and the change of the observation group was larger than that of the control group (both <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupunture has the effect of supplementary analgesia for patients after TKA, the mechanism may be related to promote the synthesis of β-endorphin and inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin E.
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Humans , Analgesia, Patient-Controlled , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee , Pain Management , Pain, Postoperative , Prostaglandins , beta-EndorphinABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effects of edaravone on improving the prognosis of TBI rats.Methods A total of 150 SD male rats were divided into normal control group (10 rats),TBI group (70 rats) and edaravone group (70 rats).In the edaravone treatment group,the rats were injected intraperitoneally once a day continously for 2 weeks with the injection dose of 5.4 mg · kg-1 · d-1.At 6 hours,12 hours,24 hours,48 hours,72 hours,1 week and 2 weeks after injury,the neurobehavioral and motor function scores of rats were monitored respectively,with 10 rats monitored at each time point.Serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected and the levels of β-endorphin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA).Results In the edaravone group,the neurobehavioral and motor function scores were higher than those of the TBI group at 6 hours,12 hours,24 hours,48 hours,72 hours,1 week and 2 weeks after injury.At 48 hours after injury,the neurobehavioral scores of the TBI group and the edaravone treatment group were (8.2 ±0.9) points and (10.3 ±0.7) points,respectively (P ＜ 0.05),and the motor function scores were (5.9 ± 1.0) points and (6.9 ± 1.2) points respectively (P ＜ 0.05).Meanwhile,the contents of β-endorphin in blood and cerebrospinal fluid of the normal control group were (50.2 ± 9.5) pg/ml and (16.2 ± 2.8) pg/ml,and the contents of GnRH were (75.2 ± 11.2) pg/ml and (36.2 ± 10.8)pg/ml,respectively.The levels of β-endorphin and GnRH in serum and cerebrospinal fluid were significantly increased at 6 hours,12 hours,24 hours,48 hours,72 hours,l week and 2 weeks after injury.The levels of β-endorphin and GnRH in the edaravone group were lower than those of TBI group.At 72 hour after injury,the levels of β-endorph in serum in TBI group and edaravone group were (165.2 ± 8.5) pg/ml and (109.5 ± 6.3) pg/ml respectively (P ＜ 0.05),and the levels of β-endorph in cerebrospinal fluid were (63.3 ± 3.1) pg/ml and (38.2 ± 2.3) pg/ml respectively (P ＜ 0.05).At 72 hour after injury,the levels of GnRH in serum in TBI group and edaravone group were (203.7 ± 17.1)pg/ml and (110.4 ± 19.2)pg/ml respectively (P ＜0.05),and the levels of GnRH in cerebrospinal fluid is (153.0 ± 13.4) pg/ml and (93.2 ± 10.5) pg/ml respectively (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion During acute and recovery periods after TBI,continuous treatment with edaravone can obviously reduce the levels of β-endorphin and GnRH,which is beneficial to alleviate the secondary brain injury after TBI in rats,promote the recovery of nerve and function,and improve the prognosis.
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Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors belong to the class B of G protein coupled-receptors and are expressed in pancreas,lungs,GI tract,kidneys,heart and the central nervous system.During episodes of hyperglycemia activation of GLP-1 receptors located on pancreas islet β-cells facilitates insulin release and increases insulin sensitivity to regulate blood sugar.In the central nervous system,activation of GLP-1 receptors produces neuroprotection and analgesia.In this mini-review,we have summarized our recent work:1) identification of microglial GLP-1 receptor/IL-10/ β-endorphin pathway in the spinal cord;2) discovery of the mechanisms of activation of GLP-1 receptors by which analgesic Lamiophlomis rotata and its effective ingredients iridoid glycosides produce antinociception.Our work highlight that spinal microglial GLP-1 receptor might be a human-demonstrated target for the treatment of chronic pain.
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Objective To evaluate the anti-dysmenorrhea efficacy of habitat fresh-cut processed and traditional processed Linderae Radix based on the dysmenorrhea model. Methods By using the estrogen-induced dysmenorrhea model of ICR mice, the effect of treatment from two different processing methods on dysmenorrhea was compared by recording the writhing reaction as well as the changes of levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), vasopressin (AVP), and β-endorphin (β-EP). Results Compared with the model group, Linderae Radix from two different processing methods significantly reduced the frequency of writhing (P 0.05). Conclusion The two processing methods of Linderae Radix both have good therapeutic effect on dysmenorrhea model mice, and the effect of habitat processed Linderae Radix is not inferior to that of traditional processed Linderae Radix.
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OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of warming needle moxibustion of Jiaji (EX-B 2), Huantiao (GB 30), etc. on lumbago and other symptoms of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients and changes of plasma β-endorphin (β-EP) content. METHODS: A total of 60 LDH patients were equally randomized into warming needle moxibustion group and conventional acupuncture group. Patients of the conventional acupuncture group were treated by puncturing lumbar Jiaji (EX-B 2), Huantiao (GB 30), Weizhong (BL 40), and Yanglingquan (GB 34) with filiform acupuncture needles. Patients of the warming needle moxibustion group were treated by puncturing the same 4 acupoints, and with the acupuncture needle in lumbar EX-B 2 attached an ignited moxa-stick segment. The treatment in both groups lasted for 30 min every time, once every other day for 15 times, with 5 times being a therapeutic course and two days' rest between every two courses. The therapeutic effect was evaluated according to the "Criteria for Evaluating the Therapeutic Effect of Disorders of Traditional Chinese Medicine". The lumbago severity was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS), and the lumbar functional activity assessed using modified Oswestry dysfunction (in objects-lifting, sitting, standing, walking, sleeping, pain, activity of daily living, social activity, outing, etc.) index (ODI). The plasma β-EP content was assayed using ELISA. RESULTS: After the treatment, of the two 30 cases in the conventional acupuncture and warming needle moxibustion groups, 8 (26.67%) and 12 (40.00%) were under control, 8 (26.67%) and 10 (33.33%) had a marked improvement, 3 (10.00%) and 4 (13.33%) were effective, and 11 (36.66%) and 4 (13.33%) ineffective, with the effective rates being 63.34% and 86.66%, respectively. The effective rate of the warming needle moxibustion was significantly higher than that of the conventional acupuncture (P<0.05). The VAS scores and ODI values of the two groups were gradually decreased along with the prolongation of treatment, and significantly lower in the warming needle moxibustion group than in the acupuncture group at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd course of treatment (P<0.01). The levels of plasma β-EP were gradually increased in the two groups at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd course of treatment, and were obviously higher in the warming needle moxibustion group than in the conventional acupuncture group at each of the 3 courses (P<0.01). No obvious adverse reactions were observed in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Warming needle moxibustion has a better therapeutic effect in relieving lumbago and lumbar dysfunction, and can up-regulate blood β-EP level.
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Objective To investigate effect and mechanisms of Liujing Toutong Tablets (LTT) on migraine model rats. Methods Rats were sc injected with nitroglycerin to establish migraine model, effect of LTT on scratching latency and frequency of migraine model rats was investigated; 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) in brain tissue were detected; And β-endorphin (β-EP), calcitonin gene related pepitde (CGRP), and endothelin (ET) in serum were examined by ELISA; The content of nitric oxide (NO) and activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in serum were examined. Results After sc injected with nitroglycerin in 1 to 3 min, the rats in model group began to scratch its head frequently, scratching latency of rats in high- and low- dose (1.4 and 0.7 g/kg) of LTT group was extended (P < 0.01) and scratching frequency was decreased (P < 0.001); The content of β-EP and ET in serum and DA in brain tissue of rats in high- and low-dose (1.4 and 0.7 g/kg) of LTT group were increased (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001), and the content of CGRP and the activity of NOS in serum were decreased (P < 0.05). The content of 5-HT and NE in brain tissue of rats in high- and low- dose (1.4 and 0.7 g/kg) of LTT group had no significant change. Conclusion LTT has a significant therapeutic effect on migraine, and could inhibit contractile response of vascular. The mechanisms may be connected with increasing content of β-EP, ET, DA and decreasing content of CGRP and the activity of NOS.
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OBJECTIVE:To study the analgesic effect and mechanism of Gutongtie paste on model rats with formaldehyde-in-duced pain. METHODS:60 SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,Gutongtie paste low-dose,medi-um-dose,high-dose groups(0.594,1.188. 2.376 g/paste,containing crude drug 0.48,0.96,1.92 g)and prednisone acetate group (ig,0.0054 g/kg,external bonding matrix). Model rats with pain was induced by formaldehyde method and immediately adminis-trated after modeling. Electronic tenderness instrument was adopted to determine the pain threshold of rats'ankle joint after adminis-tration of 1,2,3,4,6 h. After 6 h,blood sample 0.3 mL was taken from abdominal aorta then rats were sacrificed. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to determine the β-endorphin (β-EP),prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) contents;spectrophotometry was used to determine nitric oxide(NO)content in rats'serum and inflammatory tissue;and radioimmunoassay was adopted to detect the substance P content in rats'serum,inflammatory tissue and brain tissue. RESULTS:Compared with be-fore modeling,pain thresholds in model group at each period were significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with blank group,PGE2,NO of rats,substance P content in inflammatory tissue and brain tissue in model group were significantly in-creased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with model group,pain thresholds in Gutongtie paste groups at corresponding time points were increased,PGE2 and substance P contents in inflammatory tissue and brain tissue were decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01);β-EP and NO contents in serum in Gutongtie paste medium-dose,high-dose groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01),NO contents in serum in Gutongtie paste high-dose group were decreased(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Gutongtie paste has a certain analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect,and the mechanism may be related to reducing PGE2, NO, substance P contents, increasing β-EP content.
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Objective To investigate the effect of early acupuncture at Huatuo jiaji points on striatalβ-endorphin and dynorphin levels in rats with post-stroke limb spasm.Methods Seventy SD rats were randomized into group A (normal) of 9 rats and group B (sham operation) of 10 rats. After a model of post-stroke limb spasm was made in the remaining rats, they were randomized into groups C (model), D (acupuncture at Huatuo jiaji points) and E (baclofen). Group D received acupuncture at Huatuo jiaji points and group E, an oral gavage of baclofen tablets. After seven days of treatment, striatalβ-endorphin and dynorphin levels were neasured by radioimmunoassay.Resultsβ-endorphin levels increased significantly in groups C, D and E compared with groups A and B (P0.05). Dynorphin levels increased significantly in groups C, D and E compared with groups A and B (P0.05).Conclusions Acupuncture at Huatuo jiaji points can increase striatalβ-endorphin levels but not change striatal dynorphin levels, which conforms to the relationship between enkephalin and spasm, and improve the animal’s spasticity.
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Objective To evaluate the effect of military performance stress on the changes of concentrations in salivary chromogranin A ( CgA) ,β-endorphin (β-EP) and salivary IgA ( sIgA) of submariners.Methods Twenty-nine submarine soldiers were selected, and their saliva samples were collected separately at the end of a long dive trip and nine months after relaxation ashore.In addition,the saliva samples of twenty-eight graduate students were collected as the normal control.The method of ELISA was used to detect the level of salivary CgA,β-EP and sIgA.Results After long-term dive training, the submariners showed significantly decreased CgA,β-EP and sIgA.Conclusion After a long term dive trip, chronic military performance stress is associated with the decline of salivary CgA,β-EP and sIgA, indicating that the function of sympathet-ic adrenal medulla is suppressed.The biological significance of these changes needs to be assessed in the future.
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Objective To discuss influence and curative effects of Levocarnitine on serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and β-endorphin levels of old patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF).Methods 86 patients with CHF were divided into the observation group and control group by random number table.The patients in the two groups were given routine anti-heart failure treatment,such as bed rest,oxygen uptake,low sodium diet,strong heart diuresis,dilation of blood vessels and etc.The patients in the observation group were additionally given 2.0g Levocarnitine by intravenous infusion once a day for 14 days.The changes of serum BNP and β-endorphin levels of patients in the two groups before and 14 days after medical treatment were observed,and clinical curative effect and untoward effect were compared as well.Results After 14 days medical treatment,the serum BNP and β-endorphin levels of patients in the two groups[(345.85 ±58.25)pg/mL,(120.84 ±25.13)pg/mL,(237.04 ±60.54)pg/mL, (92.08 ±26.17) pg/mL] obviously declined than before (405.28 ±83.07) pg/mL,(146.42 ±30.72) pg/mL, (410.23 ±75.12)pg/mL,(150.56 ±32.51)pg/mL](t=2.24,2.31,3.18,2.96,P0.05). Conclusion Levocarnitine is a kind of adjunctive therapy ( AT) drug to treat CHF,whose mechanism of action has close effect on reducing serum BNP andβ-endorphin levels and adjusting neuroendocrine hormone levels.
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Objective To investigate the anti-fatigue effects of amino acids and vitamins on rats after exhaustive exercise. In addition, the current research might provide a theoretical foundation for the future development of new anti-fatigue nutritional supplements. Methods Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups after adaptive swimming. Each group consisted of 12 rats, namely amino acids and vitamins capsule group (capsule group), control with bland water group (control group), and amino acid and fructose beverage group (granules group). Exhaustion was produced by non-load swimming. After 14 days of feeding with different beverages, the exhaustion time of swimming was recorded, and then all rats were killed to measure concentrations of muscle and hepatic glycogen, and contents of serum β-endorphin (β-EP), lactic acid (LA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK). Results The swimming time and the levels of the muscle and hepatic glycogen in the capsule and granules groups were longer or higher than those in the control group (P0.05). Conclusion Compound amino acids and vitamins can delay the occurrence of exhaustion after swimming in rats, increase hepatic and muscle glycogen contents, and decrease the generation of various metabolites during fatigue exercises, and hence giving anti-fatigue effects.
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Objective To investigate the effect of mifepristone on the expression of β-endorphin in the ectopic focus of adenomyosis.Methods The expression of β-endorphin was measured by the immunochemistry method.Results During proliferative phase and secretory phase,the β-endorphin of mild dysmenorrhea were higher than that of midrange dysmenorrhea(t=2.672,2.711,all P＜0.05),the β-endorphin of midrange dysmenorrhea was higher than that of severe dysmenorrhea(t=2.341,2.365,all P＜0.05),the difference was significant.After being cured by mifepfistone,the expression of β-endorphin in the ectopic focus of adenomyosis was higher than that of control group (t=2.478,2.356,all P＜0.05),still lower than that of normal endometrial tissue,(t=2.123,2.233,all P＜0.05),the difference was significant.Conclusion The expression of β-endorphin in the ectopic focus of adenomyosis decreased significandy accompanied with the aggravation of the dysmenorrhea,and the mifepfistone could upregulate the β-endorphin and relieve the dysmenorrhea.
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Objective To investigate the effects of gabapentin(GBP) on plasma β-endorphin(β-EP) level in the patients with painful diabetic neuropathy(PDN). Methods We detected the plasma β-EP level in 24 PDN patients in the treatment with GBP, 18 PDN patients without GBP treatment, 20 diabetic mellitus patients without PDN and 24 healthy control subjects. Results (1)The level of β-EP in diabetic mellitus patients was lower than in the healthy control(P<0.01). (2)The patients who received GBP had a significant change of β-EP level after treatment(P<0. 01).. Conclusions Gabapentin is effective for the treatment of PDN and its adverse effects are mild. It can lower the plasma β-EP level in the patients with PDN.
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Objective: To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on blood glucose, β-endorphin (β-EP), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in patients undergoing radical esophagectomy, and to discuss the possible mechanism. Methods: Forty patients with esophageal carcinoma undergoing radical esophagectomy were randomly assigned to 2 groups: dexmedetomidine group and control group (n = 20 in each). Blood samples were taken immediately before induction of anesthesia (T0), immediately after tracheal extubation (T1), day 1 and day 2 after operation (T2, T3) for determining the levels of blood glucose, plasma β-EP and serum TNF-α and IL-6. Results: Compared with those at T0, MAP and HR at T1 were significantly elevated (P0.05), and the above parameters were significantly different between the two groups at corresponding time pionts (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Continued application of dexmedetomidine can effectively decrease the levels of blood glucose, plasma β-EP, serum TNF-α and IL-6 in patients undergoing radical esophagectomy, inhibiting the peri-operative stress response.
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Objective To observe the effect of laser irradiation on the level of histamine (Hm) , 5- hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in serum and β- endorphin (β- EP) in brain tissue in rat model of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods A total of 60 Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups:a normal group, a model group (RA without treatment), a laser + drug treatment group (RA treated by laser and drug) and a drug treatment group (RA treated by drug alone). All the groups, except the normal one, were injected with complete Freund's adjuvant to make animal model of adjuvant arthritis. All the animals were then treated accordingly. The level of Hm, 5-HT, IL-1 and TNFα in serum and β-EP in brain tissue were measured. Results Laser downregulated the content of Hm, 5-HT, IL-1 and TNFα in serum and increased the content of β-EP in brain tissue. Conclusion Laser irradiation is an effective modality for treating the animal model of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Objective To observe the clinical effects of Naloxone and Methylprednisolone(MPS) on therapy of severe bronchiolitis. Methods 98 cases of severe bronchihtis were randomly divided into 2 groups,the Naloxone/MPS treating group and the control group,the later only give regular treatment. Results The Naloxone/MPS treating group scored significantly lower at the time of 48 hours and 5 days(P＜0.001),according to cough,dyspnia and other respiratory symptoms,and the efficacy of Naloxone/MPS treatment is appreciately higher than control(P＜0.01). Conclusion Naloxone and MPS therapy shows remarkable clinical beneficial effects on severe bronchiolitis.
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The influence of exercise on the endogenous levels of both β-endorphin (BE) and corticosteroid (CS) in the hypothalamus and plasma was examined in rats. F344 male rats, five weeks of age, were divided into three groups: involuntary exercised (IE), non-exercised (NE) and control (C) groups. Rats in the IE group were exercised every day for one hour at the speed of 20 m mm n for 7 to 28 days. After training, the hypothalamus and plasma were obtained from rats. BE levels in water soluble extracts of hypothalamus were examined by rat BE ELISA test kits; and CS contents in plasma was examined by RIA. The amount of BE in the hypothalamus obtained from rats in the IE group was much higher than that in the NE and C groups. Although there was no significant difference between rats exercised for 7, 14, and 21 days, BE levels in the hypothalamus from rats exercised for 28 days was significantly higher than for 7 days. The amount of BE in the hypothalamus of NE rats was nearly identical to that of C rats. On the other hand, there were no significant changes in plasma CS levels. These results may suggest that exercise, especially running, causes on increase in BE levels in the hypothalamus.
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The influence of exercise on the endogenous levels of both β-endorphin (BE) and corticosteroid (CS) in the hypothalamus and plasma was examined in rats. F344 male rats, five weeks of age, were divided into three groups: involuntary exercised (IE), non-exercised (NE) and control (C) groups. Rats in the IE group were exercised every day for one hour at the speed of 20 m mm n for 7 to 28 days. After training, the hypothalamus and plasma were obtained from rats. BE levels in water soluble extracts of hypothalamus were examined by rat BE ELISA test kits; and CS contents in plasma was examined by RIA. The amount of BE in the hypothalamus obtained from rats in the IE group was much higher than that in the NE and C groups. Although there was no significant difference between rats exercised for 7, 14, and 21 days, BE levels in the hypothalamus from rats exercised for 28 days was significantly higher than for 7 days. The amount of BE in the hypothalamus of NE rats was nearly identical to that of C rats. On the other hand, there were no significant changes in plasma CS levels. These results may suggest that exercise, especially running, causes on increase in BE levels in the hypothalamus.
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There have been many studies of electro-acupuncture analgesia (EAA), but whether EAA develops mainly on the stimulated meridians or irrespective of these meridians has not yet been clarified. We evaluated the association between endogenous analgesia (plasma β-endorphin), and meridians in electro-acupuncture of the large intestine meridian of the hand-yangming LI4 (Hegu, Gokoku) point. LI4 electro-acupuncture resulted in EAA on the meridians associated with LI4, other meridians, and acupuncture points in the forehead glabella (Yintang, Indou), abdomen CV 12 (Chungwan, Chukan), and crus ST36 (Zsusanli, Ashi no Sanri) point. Simultaneously, LI4 electro-acupuncture significantly increased plasma β-endorphin level. These results suggest that analgesia observed after LI4 electroacupuncture is not associated with meridians, and is caused by the increases in the plasma β-endorphin level.