Influence of electroacupuncture on indocyanine green metabolism in liver: display of in vivo fluorescence imaging / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) on indocyanine green (ICG) metabolism in the liver and the action mechanism of acupuncture for hepatic regulation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty Kunming mice were randomly divided into an EA group and a control group, 20 cases in each one. Combined with classical hepatic metabolism test of ICG, after tail vein injection of ICG, twenty mice were treated with EA at "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 20 min. The ICG fluorescence intensity and distribution in the liver were observed with animal in vivo fluorescence imaging apparatus during 20 min of EA and 60 min of needle withdrawal. Twenty mice, taken as control group, were treated with ICG injection and no EA. The differences of fluorescence intensity and distribution in both groups were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) There was blocking and gathered fluorescent sign in both groups when ICG was injected immediately. With the extension of observation time, the fluorescence brightness and area were increased until 30 min of injection. This was in accordance with known metabolism activities of ICG in the liver. (2) At 10 min and 20 min of EA and after needle withdrawal, compared with the control group, the fluorescence intensity in the liver of the EA group was weaker and the distribution area was smaller. (3) According to quantitative statistics of fluorescence intensity, at each time point of treatment, the value in the control group was higher than that in the EA group, which appeared regularly all along. As for the total mean difference of ICG fluorescence intensity at all time points, there was statistical difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA could reduce fluorescence intensity and lasting time of ICG, indicating that EA accelerates metabolic process of ICG in the liver. Also it is feasible to apply animal in vivo fluorescence imaging technology to the principle research of acupuncture effect.</p>

Influence of Qingpeng plaster on blood vessels and mast cells in skin tissue of channel points of nude mice / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes in the numbers of blood vessels and mast cells, which is relative to blood microcirculation in skin, during Qingpeng plaster (ZANG medicine) being applied to the skin surface of nude mice.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Fifteen healthy adult nude mice were divided into Qingpeng plaster group and the control group. The sites of skin tissues stuck with the plaster or with control plaster were selected after 7 days treated, and then all the slices stained and observed.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The numbers of the vessels and the mast cells increased in the dermal tissue of Qingpeng paster group. Although there were a few dilated blood vessels in the control group, but the numbers of the vessels and the mast cells were obviously less than those of the Qingpeng plaster group. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between tow groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Qingpeng plaster can cause obvious vascular dilatation and promot mast cells aggregation in the Qingpeng plaster stuck parts of the skin tissue.</p>

Study on effect of electroacupuncture on gastric ischemia-reperfusion by laser Doppler blood perfusion imaging / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on gastric blood perfusion and search for a study method reflecting changes of blood perfusion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>On the basis of establishing a new gastric ischemia-reperfusion model which was made by ligature of gastric right artery, EA was given at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and the gastric blood perfusion images were displayed by a laser Doppler blood perfusion imager (LDPI), and effects of EA on gastric blood perfusion were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The image of the gastric ischemia-reperfusion is clear. The ischemic degree of the stomach in the EA group was lower than the control group within 30 min of ischemia, and recovery of blood flow after perfusion in the EA group was better than the control group; (2) at 25 min of ligature, there was a significant difference in changes of blood perfusion between the EA group [(-0.50 +/- 0.18) PU] and the control group [(-0.90 +/- 0.16) PU], P < 0.05.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA can improve and promote gastric blood supply in the gastric ischemia-reperfusion model, which can be used for acupuncture and moxibustion experimental study.</p>