[Comparison of brain effects of electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4) shown by fMRI in 21 healthy volunteers].

OBJECTIVE: To observe different brain effects of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zusanli (ST 36) in the normal subjects by using functional magnetic resonance image (fMRI). METHODS: Twenty-one healthy volunteers were recruited in the present study. fMRI was used to investigate brain responses [blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signals] to EA stimulation of CV 4 and ST 36. A filiform silver needle was inserted into CV 4 or the left ST 36 randomly in two consecutive fMRI tests, and then manipulated with uniform reducing-reinforcing methods to induce "Deqi". fMRI scan was performed before needling, during needle retention, during EA stimulation, and post-EA. Volunteer's subjective needling sensations were recorded after EA. Data of fMRI were analyzed by using software SPM 2 and fMRI was mapped by Degree Centrality Measure method for whole brain correlation. The activation, deactivation, short-distance and long-distance functional connectivity maps of cerebral regions were investigated. RESULTS: The fullness and numbness feelings of the subjects were stronger during EA at ST 36 than at CV 4. EA at ST 36 or CV 4 induced apparent similar deactivation effects in the anterior cingulate and medial prefrontal cortices. The default mode of the brain at rest state was modified by needle retention and EA stimulation, respectively. The functional brain network was significantly changed after EA. The instant post-acupuncture effects (enhancement of the shortdistance functional connectivity) were mainly found in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (VMPF) and ventral anterior cingulate cortex (vACC) in the limbic-paralimbic-neocortical network, and there were a little bit stronger signals in ST 36 than in CV 4. CONCLUSION" EA stimulation of CV 4 and ST 36 induces a similar modulation effect in the limbic-medial prefrontal network in healthy subjects.

[Electroacupuncture at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zhongwan (CV 12) modulates functional connectivity of the brain network in healthy volunteers].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the specific brain effects of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zhongwan (CV 12). METHODS: Twenty-one healthy volunteers were recruited in the present study. Two silver filiform needles were separately inserted into Guanyuan (OV 4) or Zhongwan (CV 12), and manipulated with uniform reducing-reinforcing method to induce "Deqi". fMRI scan was performed before needling, during needle retention, EA stimulation, and post-EA. Data of fMRI was analyzed by using software SPM 2. The volunteer subjective needling sensations were recorded. The activation, deactivation, short-distance and long-distance functional connectivity maps of different cerebral regions were analyzed by using whole brain correlation analysis. RESULTS: Comparison between the two acupoints showed that fullness feeling was stronger in CV 4 than in CV 12. EA at CV 4 and CV 12 induced a similar stronger and prevalent deactivation in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulated cortex (ACO). The deactivation of the ACC was stronger in the CV 4 group than in the CV 12 group. The default BOLD mode of the brain at rest was modified by needle retention and EA, respectively. The short-distance functional connection brain network was significantly changed after EA. Interestingly, the ventral medial prefrontal cortex and anteroinferior portion of the anterior cingulate cortex in the limbic-paralimbic-neocortical network (LPNN) were involved in the instant post-effects of EA. Relatively smaller differences in the brain functional activity and short-distance functional connectivity were found between these two acupoints. CONCLUSION: EA of CV 4 and CV 12 can modulate short-distance functional connectivity of the LPNN, and have fewer differences in inducing needling sensation and deactivation of ACC, etc.