[Effect of electroacupuncture on angiopoietin-1 in spinal cord of rats with neuropathic pain].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the behavior, histomorphology and the expression of angiopoietin-1 (Angpt-1) in rats with spinal nerve injury, so as to explore its mechanism on neuropathic pain. METHODS: Forty-five male SD rats were randomly divided into sham, model and EA groups (n=15 rats in each group). Spinal nerve ligation (SNL) of the L5 lumbar vertebra was performed to establish a rat model of neuropathic pain. The rats in the EA group were given EA at "Zusanli" (ST36) and "Kunlun" (BL60) of the operation side with continuous wave at a frequency of 2 Hz and an intensity of 1.5 mA once a day, 30 minutes each time for 7 days. The sham group only exposed L5 spinal nerves without ligation. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were observed and recorded before modeling and on days 3,5,7,10,12 and 14 after modeling. L4-L6 segments of spinal cord were taken and the morphological changes of spinal dorsal horn were observed by HE staining. The changes of spinal dorsal horn nerve fiber structure were observed by silver plating staining. Angpt-1 expression was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the sham group, the model group had significant reductions in MWT and TWL at each time point (P<0.01); compared with the model group, the EA group had significant increases in MWT and TWL on days 10,12 and 14 after intervention (P<0.05, P<0.01). HE staining showed that in the model group, the spinal dorsal horn showed degeneration and necrosis of neurons, nuclear fixation and shrinkage, and loose surrounding tissues. The degree of tissue damage of the EA group was milder than that of the model group. The silver staining results showed the model group had obvious neuronal fibrillary tangles, while there were fewer neuronal fibrillary tangles in the EA group. Compared with the sham group, the Angpt-1 expression in the model group was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and compared with the model group, the EA group had a significant increase in the expression of Angpt-1 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: EA can promote the recovery of nerve function in SNL rats by up-regulating Angpt-1 expression.

[Influence of electroacupuncture on the expression of AMPA receptor subunit GluR1 in the spinal injured area of the rats with acute spinal cord injury].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of AMPA receptor subunit GluR1 in the rats with acute spinal cord injury (SCI) and explore the potential effect mechanism of EA in treatment of acute SCI. METHODS: A total of 80 SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, i.e. a sham-operation group, a model group, an AMPA antagonist (DNQX) group, an EA group and a DNQX+EA group, 16 rats in each group. The modified Allen's impacting method was adopted to prepare the rat model of acute SCI at T10. In the DNQX group, the intrathecal injection of 10 µL DNQX solution with a concentration of 1 nmol/µL was administered in 0.5 h after modeling success. In the EA group, EA (disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, 0.5 mA in output current) was given at "Dazhui" (GV 14) and "Mingmen" (GV 4) in 0.5 h, 12 h and 24 h after modeling success for 30 min and totally 3 times. In the DNQX + EA group, the interventions in the above two groups were managed. The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating score (BBB) was applied to evaluate the changes of locomotor function in the rats before modeling and in 6 h, 24 h and 48 h after modeling successively. Using the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the histopathological changes in the spinal anterior horn were observed in the spinal injured area. The immunofluorescence method was adopted to determine the number of GluR1 positive neuron of the spinal anterior horn. The Western blot method was used to determine the protein expression of GluR1 in the injured area. RESULTS: Compared to the sham-operation group in 6 h, 24 h and 48 h after modeling, the BBB scores were all significantly decreased in the model group (P<0.001) at the corresponding points. The BBB score was increased in each of intervention groups, but without statistical difference as compared with the model group (P>0.05). In the model group, it was found that the boundary between gray matter and white matter in the spinal anterior horn was blurred, the interstitial space enlarged, the neuron volume obviously shrunken, the cytoplasm decreased, the red stain deepened and some neuron nuclei fixed and shrunk. In the EA group, the morphology of the spinal anterior horn in the injured area was improved obviously, which was similar in the DNQX group and the DNQX + EA group. Compared with the sham-operation group, the GluR1 protein expression in the spinal injury area was increased (P<0.001) and the number of GluR1 positive neurons elevated (P<0.001) in the spinal anterior horn in the model group. Compared with the model group, in the EA group, the DNQX group and the DNQX + EA group, GluR1 protein expression was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) and the number of GluR1 positive neurons in the spinal anterior horn reduced (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The intervention with EA at "Dazhui" and "Mingmen" promotes the repair of the injured nerve in the spinal anterior horn probably through inhibiting GluR1 expression in the spinal injured area in the rats with acute SCI.

Effects of electroacupuncture at different acupoints on the histomorphology of neurogenic bladder and the expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels in interstitial cells of Cajal in a rat model of suprasacral spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture at different acupoints on the histomorphology of neurogenic bladder and the expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in a rat model of suprasacral spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: A incomplete suprasacral SCI rat model was induced using a MASCIS impactor. Rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, SCI model group, Ciliao treatment group or Guanyuan treatment group. The histomorphology of bladder cells was observed after hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of bladder tissue sections. The expression of HCN channel proteins in ICC cells was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence, and HCN channel mRNA expression was measured using real-time PCR. RESULTS: In terms of histomorphology, the level of bladder cells after SCI increased significantly, and marked inflammation and edema were observed. Electroacupuncture treatment at the Ciliao acupoint significantly reduced inflammation and edema, whilst electroacupuncture treatment at the Guanyuan point partially reduced inflammation and edema. In terms of HCN channel protein and mRNA expression, western blotting, immunofluorescence and real-time PCR all confirmed that HCN channel expression after SCI was significantly upregulated, while electroacupuncture treatment at the Ciliao and Guanyuan acupoints inhibited HCN channel expression. CONCLUSIONS: Electroacupuncture treatment at the Ciliao acupoint significantly reduced histomorphological abnormalities in ICCs, and inhibited the expression of HCN channel proteins after SCI.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on the morphological changes of the spinal dorsal horn and the expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in the injured spinal cord of rats with neuropathic pain].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture stimulation at "Zusanli"(ST36) and "Kunlun"(BL60) on the morphological changes of the spinal dorsal horn and the expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) in the injured spinal cord of rats with neuropathic pain. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham model group, model group, electroacupuncture group, and medication group, with 10 rats in each group. Spinal nerve ligation of the L5 lumbar vertebra was performed to establish a rat model of neuropathic pain. The rats in the electroacupuncture group were given electroacupuncture at ST36 and BL60 of the operation side with dilatational wave at a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and an intensity of 1.5 mA once a day, 30 minutes each time, and those in the medication group were given intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/mL Gabapentin solution (100 mg/kg) once a day; the one-week intervention was started at one week after surgery. Mechanical withdraw threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were observed and recorded before modeling and on days 1,3,5,7,10,12 and 14 after modeling, and the motor function of the affected hindlimb was scored. Methenamine silver stain was used to observe the morphological changes of the spinal dorsal horn, and Western blot was used to measure the relative protein expression of p38MAPK and phospho-p38MAPK(p-p38MAPK) in L4-L6 spinal segments. RESULTS: Compared with the sham model group, the model group had significant reductions in MWT and TWL at each time point (P<0.001) and a significant increase in motor function score (P<0.001); compared with the model group, the electroacupuncture group and the medication group had significant increases in MWT and TWL and a significant reduction in motor function score after treatment (P<0.05). The model group had obvious neuronal fibrillary tangles, particle vacuolar degeneration, and vacuoles containing argyrophilic grains in the cytoplasm of neural cells under a light microscope, while there were fewer neuronal fibrillary tangles in the electroacupuncture group and reduced vacuolar degeneration in the medication group. Compared with the sham model group, the model group had significant increases in the protein expression of p-p38MAPK in the spinal dorsal horn (P<0.001), and compared with the model group, the electroacupuncture group and the medication group had significant reductions in the protein expression of p-p38MAPK in the spinal dorsal horn(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture stimulation at ST36 and BL60 can increase pain threshold, improve the motor function of the affected hindlimb, and improve the necrosis of neurofibrils in the spinal dorsal horn in rats with neuropathic pain, possibly by regulating the expression of p-p38MAPK in the spinal dorsal horn.

[Evidence-based medicine research on low-back pain with sham-acupuncture controlled design and the analysis on dynamic acupoint positioning].

To explore the positioning of acupoints, a research was done with PubMed for system reviews and clinical trials on treatment of low-back pain with sham-acupuncture controlled design from January 1, 2010 to October 27, 2017. Six system reviews and 12 sham-controlled acupuncture random trials were found. The statistical difference was not found in all the 6 trials with standard acupoint compared with the sham-acupuncture among the 8 penetrating skin sham-control trials. The statistical difference was found in the two trials with penetrating skin sham control, who was used individualized treatment, twirling for qi arrival or palpation for ashipoint. It is considered that sham-acupuncture penetrating skin is not a placebo, and needling with standard or dynamic acupoint may reduce low-back pain, and dynamic acupoint positioning may be better than standard acupoint positioning.

[Influence of electroacupuncture of "Dazhui" (EX-B2) and "Mingmen" (GV4) on NR2B expression in anterior horns of spinal cord in rats with acute spinal cord injury].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of eletroacupuncture (EA) at "Dazhui" (EX-B2) and "Mingmen" (GV4) on expression of NR2B subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA) in the injured anterior horn (AH) area of rats with acute spinal cord injury (SCI), so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of neural repair. METHODS: A total of 96 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups: sham operation (sham), model, medication (Methyl-prednisone, MP) and EA (n＝24 in each group). The acute SCI model was established by using a MASCIS spinal cord impactor. EA (2 Hz, 0.5 mA) was applied to EX-B2 and GV4 for 30 min, once at 0.5 h, 12 and 24 h after SCI. Rats of the medication group were treated by tail intravenous injection of MP 30 mg/kg within 15 min (impact therapy) and 5.4 mg•kg－1•h－1 (maintaining treatment) 45 min thereafter for 23 h. The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) rating scale (0 to 21 points) was used to assess changes of locomotor function 6, 24 and 48 h after SCI. Histopathological changes of the injured spinal cord AH region were observed after sectioning and hematoxylin-eosin (H.E.) staining, and the expression levels of NR2B mRNA and protein of AH were measured by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence, respectively. RESULTS: After SCI, the BBB scores at 6, 24 and 48 h were significantly decreased in the model group compared with those of the sham group (P<0.001), but had no remarkable changes in both medication and EA groups after the intervention in comparison with those of the model group (P>0.05). After modeling, the histopathological changes (blurred border of the grey-white matter, cellular karyopyknosis, deepening of the cytoplasmic red stain, and rupture, dissolution and disordered arrangement of myelinated nerve fibers) in the injury area of the spinal cord in the model group were apparent, the number of NR2B positive neurons and the relative expression levels of NR2B mRNA and protein were significantly increased in the model group relevant to the sham group (P<0.05). In contrast to the model group, the injured severity of the spinal cord AH region was relatively milder, and the expression levels of NR2B mRNA and protein were considerably down-regulated in both EA and MP groups (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the EA and MP groups in the expression levels of NR2B mRNA and protein (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: EA at EX-B2 and GV4 may inhibit the expression of NR2B mRNA and protein in acute SCI rats, which may contribute to its action in promoting nerve repair of the injured ventricolumna area of the thoracic spinal cord.

Effect of electro-acupuncture on the BDNF-TrkB pathway in the spinal cord of CCI rats.

Microglia, which comprise a sensor for pathological events in the central nervous system, may be triggered by nerve injury and transformed from a quiescent state into an activated state; ionised calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) is a sensitive marker associated with activated microglia. Accumulated evidence suggests that spinal activated microglia and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) signalling pathway play major roles in the production and development of neuropathic pain. Electro-acupuncture (EA) has a positive effect on relieving chronic neuropathic pain; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To determine the significance of EA in the treatment of neuropathic pain mediated by activated microglia and the BDNF-TrkB signalling pathway in the spinal cord, the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) values were recorded to assess hyperalgesia and allodynia. In addition, the amount of activated microglia and BDNF were assessed via immunofluorescence. Iba1, BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression levels were examined using qPCR; the protein levels of BDNF, p-TrkB and TrkB in the spinal cord were analysed via western blotting. The present study demonstrated that EA treatment increased the MWT and TWL values. EA significantly inhibited the proportion of activated microglia and BDNF expression in the spinal cord after chronic constrictive injury (CCI). Furthermore, EA decreased the expression of BDNF and TrkB at both the mRNA and protein levels in the spinal cord of CCI rats. These findings suggest that the analgesic effect of EA may be achieved by inhibiting the activation of spinal microglia and subsequently blocking the BDNF-TrkB signalling pathway.

KCC2-GABAA pathway correlates with the analgesic effect of electro-acupuncture in CCI rats.

Potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) has been indicated to serve a crucial role during chronic neuropathic pain (NP). Following the emergence of NP, γ­aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptor­mediated signaling may be further impaired by the changes of KCC2 chloride anion gradient. In the present study, the authors investigate the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on the behavior and the expression of KCC2 and GABAA receptor γ2 subunit in the spinal cord of chronic constriction injury (CCI) model rats. A total of 60 adult male Sprague­Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Normal group, sham­CCI group, CCI group and CCI+EA group. The effect of EA was assessed via the values of mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency, which were significantly improved upon stimulation of the ST­36 and GB­34 acupoints. In addition, a marked reduction in both the mRNA and protein levels of KCC2 and GABAA receptor γ2 subunit was observed in the spinal cord following loose ligation of the sciatic nerve. The reductions in KCC2 and GABAA receptor γ2 subunit expression were reversed by EA treatment. These results support the notion that KCC2 and GABAA receptor γ2 subunit contribute to NP following peripheral nerve injury and extend the understanding of the analgesic effects of EA on NP.

Electro-acupuncture at Governor Vessel improves neurological function in rats with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) at Governor Vessel (GV) on the locomotor function in spinal cord injury (SCI) rats and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Thirtytwo male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups namely: the sham group (with sham operation); the untreated group (without treatment after spinal cord impact); the EA-1 group [EA applied at Baihui (GV 20) and Fengfu (GV 16) after spinal cord impact] and the EA-2 group [with EA applied at Dazhui (GV 14) and Mingmen (GV 4) after spinal cord impact]. Real-time quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western Blotting were used to assess changes in the mRNA and protein expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) at 7 weeks following EA administration. In addition, the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) Locomotor Rating Scale was assessed at 1 day, 1 week, 3 weeks and 7 weeks post-injury. RESULTS: The results showed that EA stimulation induced neuroprotective effects after SCI correlated with the up-regulation of BDNF and NT-3 (P<0.05). Furthermore, EA stimulation at GV 14 and GV 4 could significantly promote the recovery of locomotor function and this may be linked to the up-regulation of BDNF and NT-3 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA treatment applied at GV acupoints either within the injury site or adjacent undamaged regions near the brain can improve functional recovery, which may be correlated with the upregulation of BDNF and NT-3. In addition, it would be more effective to administer EA at GV 14 and GV 4 near the injury site of the SCI rats.

The regulatory effect of electro-acupuncture on the expression of NMDA receptors in a SCI rat model.

BACKGROUND: In early spinal cord injury (SCI), glutamate receptors, including N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs), are over-stimulated by excessively released glutamate. The enhanced activity of NMDARs may cause cell death by overloading calcium (Ca2+) into cells based on their high permeability to Ca2+. Studies in SCI animals have shown that treatment with electro-acupuncture (EA) is able to reduce cell death and to improve functional recovery. One possible mechanism of this neuroprotective effect is that EA has regulatory effect on NMDARs. AIMS: To test whether EA could protect the spinal cord after SCI by decreasing the expression levels of NR1 and NR2A. MAIN METHODS: We conducted EA treatment on a rat SCI model produced with a New York University (NYU) Impactor and measured hindlimb locomotor function by Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan Locomotor Rating Scale (BBB Scale). The expression of NR1 and NR2, the subunits of NMDARs, in the injured spinal cord was measured by Immunofluorescence stainings, western blot and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). KEY FINDING: Our results showed that two days after the SCI the expression of NR1 and NR2 were dramatically enhanced at both protein and mNRA levels, which were significantly reduced by EA treatment at two specific acupoints, Dazhui (DU14) and Mingmen (DU4). SIGNIFICANCE: EA is a potential therapeutic method for treating early SCI in human.

[Involvement of Central Neuroglia Cells in Analgesic Effect of Electroacupuncture Therapy for Neuropathic Pain].

Neuropathic pain is one of the common chronic syndromes in clinical practice. It has been demonstrated that the chronic neuropathic pain and glial cells in the central nervous system are closely related to each other. When inducing analgesic effect in neuropathic pain, EA suppressed OX-42 labeled activation of microgliacytes in dorsal horns of the spinal cord, down-regulated release of nitric oxide (NO), expression of P 2 X4 receptor, intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), proinflammatory cytokines IL-1 ß, IL-6, TNF-α, interferon (IF)-γ and up-regulated neurotrophin-3 expression in neuropathic pain rats. In regard to spinal astrocytes, acupuncture suppressed peripheral nerve injury induced activation of GFAP-labeled astrocytes, down-regulated the expression levels of macrophage inflammatory proteins (MIP)-1, MIP-1 ß, MIP-3 α, TNF-α mRNA and IL-1 ß mRNA, etc. in the dorsal horns of the spinal cord. Up to now, the underlying me-chanisms of acupuncture in regulating activities of glia cells, and interaction between neurons and glia cells, and the related pathways in the peripheral and central systems remain unclear. The effects of some related protein and gene expressions involving in acupuncture analgesia need being confirmed by adopting different approaches.

Combination treatment with Gua Sha and Blood-letting causes attenuation of systemic inflammation, activated coagulation, tissue ischemia and injury during heatstroke in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Gua Sha and Blood-letting at the acupoints were Chinese traditional therapies for heatstroke. The purpose of present study was to assess the therapeutic effect of Gua Sha on the DU Meridian and Bladder Meridian combined with Blood-letting acupoints at Shixuan (EX-UE 11) and Weizhong (BL 40) on heatstroke. METHODS: Anesthetized rats, immediately after the onset of heatstroke, were divided into four major groups: Gua Sha group, Blood-letting group, Gua Sha combined with Blood-letting group and model group. They were exposed to ambient temperature of 43 °C to induce heatstroke. Another group of rats were exposed to room temperature (26 °C) and used as normal control group. Their survival times were measured. In addition, their physiological and biochemical parameters were continuously monitored. RESULTS: When rats underwent heatstroke, their survival time values were found to be 21-25 min. Treatment of Gua Sha combined with Bloodletting greatly improved the survival time (230±22 min) during heatstroke. All heatstoke animals displayed and activated coagulation evidenced by increased prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), D-dimer, and decreased platelet count, protein C. Furthermore, the animals displayed systemic inflammation evidenced by increased the serum levels of cytokines interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Biochemical markers evidenced by cellular ischemia and injury/dysfunction included increased plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were all elevated during heatstroke. Core temperatures (Tco) were also increased during heatstroke. In contrast, the values of mean arterial pressure were signifificantly lower during heatstroke. These heatstroke reactions were all signifificantly suppressed by treatment of Gua Sha and Blood-letting, especially the combination therapy. CONCLUSION: Gua Sha combined with Blood-letting after heatstroke may improve survival by ameliorating systemic inflflammation, hypercoagulable state, and tissue ischemia and injury in multiple organs.

Electroacupuncture and A-317491 depress the transmission of pain on primary afferent mediated by the P2X3 receptor in rats with chronic neuropathic pain states.

P2X is a family of ligand-gated ion channels that act through adenosine ATP. The P2X3 receptor plays a key role in the transmission of neuropathic pain at peripheral and spinal sites. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been used to treat neuropathic pain effectively. To determine the role of EA in neuropathic pain mediated through the P2X3 receptor in dorsal root ganglion neurons and the spinal cord, a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was used. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: sham CCI, CCI, CCI plus contralateral EA, and CCI plus ipsilateral EA. The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were recorded. Furthermore, the expression of the P2X3 receptor was evaluated through Western blotting and immunofluorescence. The effects of EA and A-317491 were investigated through the whole-cell patch-clamp method and intrathecal administration. Our results show that the MWT and TWL of EA groups were higher than those in the CCI group, whereas the expression of the P2X3 receptor was lower than that in the CCI group. However, no significant difference was detected between the two EA groups. EA depressed the currents created by ATP and the upregulation of the P2X3 receptor in CCI rats. Additionally, EA was more potent in reducing mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia when combined with A-317491 through intrathecal administration. These results show that both contralateral and ipsilateral EA might inhibit the primary afferent transmission of neuropathic pain induced through the P2X3 receptor. In addition, EA and A-317491 might have an additive effect in inhibiting the transmission of pain mediated by the P2X3 receptor.

Neuroprotective effects of different modalities of acupuncture on traumatic spinal cord injury in rats.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can induce a series of histological, biochemical, and functional changes. Acupuncture is commonly used for SCI patients. Using male rats of spinal cord injury with the New York University (NYU) Impactor, we investigated the response of electroacupuncture (EA), manual acupuncture (MA), and transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation (TAES) at Shuigou (DU26) and Fengfu (DU16) acupoints to understand the effects and mechanisms of acupuncture in neuroprotection and neuronal function recovery after SCI. Histological study showed a restored neural morphology and an increase in the quantity of neurons after EA, MA, and TAES administrations. Acupuncture's antioxidation effects were demonstrated by alleviation of the post-SCI superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increase and malondialdehyde (MDA) level decrease. The anti-inflammation effect of acupuncture was shown as the reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1 ß (IL-1 ß ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α ) when SCI was treated. And the antiapoptosis role was approved by TUNEL staining. Our data confirmed that the role of acupuncture in neuroprotection and dorsal neuronal function recovery after rat SCI, especially, EA stimulating at Shuigou (DU26) and Fengfu (DU16) can greatly promote neuronal function recovery, which may result from antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and antiapoptosis effects of acupuncture.

[Electroacupuncture for post-stroke urinary incontinence: a multi-center randomized controlled study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture(EA) for apoplectic urinary incontinence. METHODS: Two hundred and four cases of apoplectic urinary incontinence were randomized into an EA group (136 cases) and an indwelling catheter group (68 cases). The EA was applied at Qugu (CV 2), Zhongji (CV 3), Shuidao (ST 28), Qihai (CV 6) and Guanyuan (CV 4), etc. in the EA group,5 times a week. Indwelling catheter was applied in the indwelling catheter group at intervals of 2-4 hours, and periodic bladder irrigation along with bladder rehabilitation training were also given. The efficacies were evaluated after 4 weeks of treatment. Before and after treatment, the urination diary (including the interval of urination, nocturia frequency, urination difficulty, urinary incontinence severity), bladder capacity, patients' satisfaction of the two groups were observed and the efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 96.2% (125/130) in the EA group, which was apparently superior to 87.5% (56/64) in the indwelling catheter group (P < 0.05); except for nocturia frequency in the indwelling catheter group, the total score and the subitem score in the urination diary were all improved significantly after treatment in both groups (all P < 0.001), which were more obvious in the EA group (P < 0.001, P < 0.05); the patients' satisfaction and bladder capacity were all improved significantly after treatment in both groups (all P < 0.001), which were more obvious in the EA group (both P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The EA has an obvious effect for apoplectic urinary incontinence in urinary incontinence alleviation and bladder capacity increase, which has better efficacy than indwelling catheter therapy.

Effect of electroacupuncture on the pathomorphology of the sciatic nerve and the sensitization of P2X3 receptors in the dorsal root ganglion in rats with chronic constrictive injury.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the pathomorphology of the sciatic nerve and the role of P2X3 receptors in EA analgesia. METHODS: The chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was adopted in this study. A total of 32 rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham CCI, CCI, CCI plus contralateral EA (CCI + conEA) and CCI plus ipsilateral EA (CCI + ipsEA). Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured. EA began at day 7 after the CCI operation and was applied to the Zusanli (ST 36) and Yanglingquan acupoints (GB 34). At day 14, the pathomorphologic changes of the operated sciatic nerve were demonstrated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. In addition, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons isolated from rats were examined by electrophysiological recording to determine if the P2X3 receptor agonists, adenosine 5'-triphosphate disodium (ATP) and α,ß-methylen-ATP (α,ß-meATP) evoked inward currents. RESULTS: Pain thresholds in the CCI group were obviously decreased post CCI surgery (P<0.01). In the EA groups, thermal and mechanical threshold values were increased after the last EA treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in light microscopic examination among the four groups (P>0.05). Current amplitude after application of ATP and α,ß-meATP in DRG neurons were much larger in the CCI group compared to those obtained in sham CCI (P<0.05). ATP and α, ß-meATP invoked amplitudes in the CCI + EA groups were reduced. There was no signififi cant difference between the CCI + conEA group and the CCI + ipsEA group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: EA analgesia may be mediated by decreasing the response of P2X3 receptors to the agonists ATP and α,ß-meATP in the DRG of rats with CCI. No pathological changes of the sciatic nerve of rats were observed after EA treatment.

[Anatomical characters and classification of acupoint].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the essence of acupoints by studying its anatomical characteristics and classification. METHODS: Based on numerous previous anatomic researches of acupoints, an adult male and a female corpses infused with red rubber at the location of acupoints were selected in order to observe the level and sectional anatomy of the acupoints, especially the specificity of the known structural distribution of acupoints. RESULTS: (1) The distribution of acupoints has two primary elements. Firstly, it is neurovascular bundles or connective tissue containing abundant nerves and blood vessels, which has the function of qi and blood infusion. It is considered as the acupoint kernel. Secondly, it is the cleft or the tunnel that formed by bones, muscles or fascia, which is also held as the acupoint shell. Different conditions of the human body can influence the opening and closing of the shell, control as well as regulate the function of the kernel so as to regulate the qi and blood circulation. (2) Based on anatomical characteristics, acupoints can be classified into 3 types: the type of cleft, the type of tunnel, and the terminal type. Points of the cleft and tunnel types can be mainly found in the twelve regular meridians which are composed of the kernel and the shell. The points of terminal type are on the Conception Vessel, the Governor Vessel and auricular point, the superficial fascia is the confluence of cerebro-spinal nerve terminal ramus and its concomitant vessels, and it is the site where the qi and blood of meridians distribute to the body surface. CONCLUSION: Acupoints is the pore formed by bone, muscle or fascia where neurovascular bundles or connective tissue containing abundant nerves and blood vessels pass through and the position where the terminal branch of cranial and spinal nerves and their accompanying by blood vessels emerge and converge at the supiyeficial layer of central body axis. Acupoints are the nodes and terminal point where the zang-fu organs and meridians and qi and blood infused to body surface.

[Characteristics of anatomical structures and clinical significance of lumbar Jiaji (EX-B 2) points].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the anatomical structure of Jiaji (EX-B 2) points at the level of lower lumbar region so as to provide evidence for the insertion angle and depth. METHODS: Thirty spine samples of male adults were adopted, and perpendicular insertion of the needle was applied at 3 locations including 1 cun, 0.5 cun and 0.3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the lumbar vertebra. The needles were fixed at the local region. Structures and the adjacent major blood vessels and nerves were observed during the anatomy. RESULTS: When the needle was inserted perpendicularly at the point 1 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the lumber vertebra with the insertion depth of (35.77 +/- 5.86) mm, the zygapophyseal joints, the adjacent osteo-fibrous canal and osteo-fibrous aperture were touched by the tip of the needle, and the medial ramus of dorsal primary ramus of spinal nerve and concomitant vessels were stimulated. Then, needles were inserted perpendicularly 0.5 cun and 0.3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the lumber vertebra with the insertion depth of (32.89 +/- 4.79)mm for both. When needle was inserted 0.5 cun lateral, the medial ramus of dorsal primary ramus of spinal nerve and the concomitant vessels were touched by the tip of the needle at where they across the lamina periosteum and erector spinae. When needle was inserted 0.3 cun lateral, the body of the needle reached the terminal branches of the medial ramus of dorsal primary ramus of spinal nerve and the concomitant vessels through the deep paraspinal muscles and the thoracolumbar fascia. CONCLUSION: The medial ramus of dorsal primary ramus of lumbar spinal nerve and concomitant vessels distributed at the region 1 cun, 0.5 cun and 0.3 cun beside the lower border of each lumbar spinous process. Therefore, the location of Jiaji (EX-B 2) points can be considered in the region from 0.3 cun to 1 cun beside the lower border of each spinous process.

Analgesic effect of electroacupuncture on chronic neuropathic pain mediated by P2X3 receptors in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate disodium (ATP) gated P2X receptors, especially the subtype P2X(3), play a key role in transmission of pain signals in neuropathic pain, ATP has been documented to play a significant role in the progression of pain signals, suggesting that control of these pathways through electroacupuncture (EA) is potentially an effective treatment for chronic neuropathic pain. EA has been accepted to effectively manage chronic pain by applying the stimulating current to acupoints through acupuncture needles. To determine the significance of EA on neuropathic pain mediated by P2X(3) receptors in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were recorded, and the expression of P2X(3) receptors in the DRG neurons was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH). In addition, the currents which were evoked in DRG neurons isolated from rats following chronic constriction injury (CCI) by the P2X(3) receptors agonists i.e. ATP and α,ß-methylen-ATP (α,ß-meATP) were examined through the experimental use of whole cell patch clamp recording. The present study demonstrates that EA treatment can increase the MWT and TWL values and decrease the expression of P2X(3) receptors in DRG neurons in CCI rats. Simultaneously, EA treatment attenuates the ATP and α,ß-meATP evoked currents. EA may be expected to induce an apparent induce analgesic effect by decreasing expression and inhibiting P2X(3) receptors in DRG neurons of CCI rats. There is a similar effect on analgesic effect between rats with contralateral EA and those with ipsilateral EA.

[Effects of acupuncture on different acupoints in combination with rehabilitation on hemiplegic muscle spasticity in hemiplegia patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of hemiplegic muscle spasticity treated with acupuncture on different acupoints in combination with rehabilitation. METHODS: Ninety cases of post-stroke muscle spasticity were randomized into a corresponding and central axis acupuncture group (group A), a conventional acupuncture group (group B) and a rehabilitation group (group C), 30 cases in each one. In group A, the acupoints on the Governor Vessel were mainly selected, as well as those on Hand-Shaoyang meridian and Foot-Taiyang meridian. In group B, the conventional needling and rehabilitation training were applied in combination, of which, the acupoints were mainly from Hand and Foot-Yangming meridians, associated with the acupoints of Shaoyang meridian. In group C, only rehabilitation training was applied. The assessments according to modified Ashworth scale and CSS score were performed before treatment, after 2 weeks and 4 weeks treatment respectively. RESULTS: The level of modified Ashworth scale of the flexor of elbow and wrist was reduced apparently after treatment in group A as compared with that before treatment (P < 0.01). The level of modified Ashworth scale of the flexor of elbow was reduced apparently after treatment in group C as compared with that before treatment (P < 0.05). There was significant difference on the level change in modified Ashworth scale for the flexor of elbow between group A and group C after 4 weeks treatment (P < 0.05). CSS score decreased significantly in group A as compared with that before treatment (P < 0.01), the improvement after treatment in group A was apparent as compared with the other two groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The corresponding and central axis acupuncture can improve muscle tone of hemiplegic limb, which is superior to the effect achieved by the conventional acupuncture in combination with rehabilitation training and the simple rehabilitation training.