Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with Bobath rehabilitation training for upper limb spasm after stroke: a randomized controlled trial. / 通督调神法针刺联合Bobathåº·å¤è®­ç»ƒæ²»ç–—å’ä¸­åŽä¸Šè‚¢ç—‰æŒ›ï¼šéšæœºå¯¹ç §è¯•éªŒ.

OBJECTIVES: To observe clinical effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen (promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and regulating the spirit) acupuncture combined with Bobath rehabilitation training in the treatment of upper limb spasm after stroke. METHODS: A total of 66 patients with upper limb spasm after stroke were randomly divided into an observation group (33 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (33 cases, 2 cases dropped out). The control group received Bobath rehabilitation training. On the basis of the control group, the patients in the observation group received Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Fengfu (GV 16), Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3) and bilateral C4-T1 Jiaji points (EX-B 2), etc. Both groups were treated once a day, with 6 days of continuous treatment followed by 1 day of rest, and totally 4 weeks were required. The modified Ashworth scale ( MAS ) grade, Fugl-Meyer assessment of upper extremity ( FMA-UE ) score, modified Barthel index ( MBI ) score, serum level of neurotransmitter (glutamic acid [Glu] and γ-aminobutyric acid [GABA]) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical effect was evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, MAS grade and serum level of Glu in the two groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and FMA-UE, MBI scores and serum level of GABA were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05). The MAS grade and serum level of Glu in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the FMA-UE, MBI scores and serum level of GABA were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 87.5% (28/32), which was better than 45.2% (14/31) of the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture and Bobath rehabilitation training can effectively reduce the upper limb muscle tension level of patients with upper limb spasm after stroke, improve upper limb motor function, enhance self-care ability, and regulate serum level of neurotransmitter.

Research of the analgesic effects and central nervous system impact of electroacupuncture therapy in rats with knee osteoarthritis.

It aimed to observe the effects of TongDu TiaoShen (TDTS) electroacupuncture (EA) on the analgesia and central system of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rats and explore its mechanism. SD rats were rolled into the blank group, model group (KOA), control group (duloxetine 500 mg/kg/d, Ctrl), conventional EA group, and TDTS-EA group. Radiometric pain measurements and the Lequesne MG scale were used to evaluate the behavioral performance of the rats. Dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), ß-endorphin (ß-EP), and leucine-enkephalin (L-ENK) were detected in the midbrain and spinal cord of lumbar enlargement. Interleukin (IL)-1ß protein expression was detected by Western blot. The incubation period of thermal pain and foot contraction was decreased in the KOA group versus blank group, the Lequesne MG score was increased, DA, NE, 5-HT, ß-EP, and L-ENK in the midbrain and spinal cord were increased, and synovial tissue IL-1ß protein expression was increased (P < 0.05). EA group and TDTS-EA group had an increased incubation period of thermal pain contraction, decreased Lequesne MG score, decreased DA, NE, etc. In the midbrain, increased 5-HT and NE in the spinal cord, and decreased IL-1ß in the synovial tissue versus KOA group (P < 0.05). The Lequesne MG score and midbrain DA, NE, 5-HT, ß-EP, and synovial tissue IL-1ß expression were decreased in TDTS-EA group versus EA group (P < 0.05). EA can effectively improve the behavioral score of KOA and participate in central analgesia by regulating central DA, NE, 5-HT, ß-EP, and L-ENK.

Clinical Study of Modified Shenqi Pill （肾气丸） Plus Tongdu Tiaoshen Acupuncture （通督调神针刺） for Neurogenic Bladder After Spinal Cord Injury of Kidney-Yang Deficiency Syndrome / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of modified Shenqi Pill （肾气丸） plus Tongdu Tiaoshen Acupuncture （通督调神针刺） in the treatment of neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury of kidney-yang deficiency syndrome. MethodsForty-six patients were randomly divided into 23 cases each in the control group and the treatment group. Both groups were given conventional treatment， i.e. oral methylcobalamin tablets （0.5 mg each time， 3 times a day） and paraplegic conventional acupuncture （once a day， 6 consecutive days a week）. The control group was given simple bladder function rehabilitation training on the basis of the conventional treatment； and the treatment group was given modified Shenqi Pill orally （1 dose a day， 150 ml each time， taken warmly in morning and evening） and Tongdu Tiaoshen Acupuncture （once a day， 6 consecutive days per week） in addition to what were given to the control group. The treatment course lasted for 4 weeks. The 24 h urination frequency， 24 h urine leakage frequency， 24 h single urine volume， bladder residual urine volume， international lower urinary tract symptom （LUTS） score， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score were compared between the two groups， and clinical effectiveness and TCM syndrome effectiveness were compared between the two groups after treatment. ResultsTwenty patients in each group were finally analyzed in this study. The number of 24 h urination， the number of 24 h urine leakage， bladder residual urine volume， LUTS score， and the TCM syndrome scores decreased after treatment in both groups， and the 24 h single urine volume increased （P＜0.01）； and much more improvement was found of each index in the treatment group than in the control group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The total clinical effectiveness and TCM syndrome effectiveness in the treatment group was 85.00% （17/20） respectively， which were statistically significantly higher than 45.00% （the total clinical effectiveness， 9/20） and 60.00% （TCM syndrome effectiveness， 12/20） in the control group （P＜0.01）. ConclusionModified Shenqi Pill plus Tongdu Tiaoshen Acupuncture can signi-ficantly improve the clinical symptoms of neurogenic bladder patients after spinal cord injury of kidney-yang deficiency syndrome， having better effectiveness than simple bladder function rehabilitation training， and its mechanism may be related to the improvement of the injured nerve function innervating the bladder.

[Effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen electroacupuncture pretreatment on PPARγ-mediated pyroptosis of cerebral cortex in rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen (promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and regulating the spirit) electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment on pyroptosis mediated by peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) of the cerebral cortex in rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIRI) and explore the potential mechanism of EA for the prevention and treatment of CIRI. METHODS: A total of 110 clean-grade male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operation group, a model group, an EA group, an EA + inhibitor group and an agonist group, 22 rats in each group. In the EA group, before modeling, EA was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20), "Fengfu" (GV 16) and "Dazhui" (GV 14), with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/5 Hz in frequency, 1 to 2 mA in intensity, lasting 20 min; once a day, consecutively for 7 days. On the base of the intervention as the EA group, on the day 7, the intraperitoneal injection with the PPARγ inhibitor, GW9662 (10 mg/kg) was delivered in the EA + inhibitor group. In the agonist group, on the day 7, the PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone hydrochloride (10 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. At the end of intervention, except the sham-operation group, the modified thread embolization method was adopted to establish the right CIRI model in the rats of the other groups. Using the score of the modified neurological severity score (mNSS), the neurological defect condition of rats was evaluated. TTC staining was adopted to detect the relative cerebral infarction volume of rat, TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptosis of cerebral cortical nerve cells and the transmission electron microscope was used to observe pyroptosis of cerebral cortical neural cells. The positive expression of PPARγ and nucleotide-binding to oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in the cerebral cortex was detected with the immunofluorescence staining. The protein expression of PPARγ, NLRP3, cysteinyl aspartate specific protease-1 (caspase-1), gasdermin D (GSDMD) and GSDMD-N terminal (GSDMD-N) in the cerebral cortex was detected with Western blot. Using the quantitative real-time fluorescence-PCR, the mRNA expression of PPARγ, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD of the cerebral cortex was detected. The contents of interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-18 in the cerebral cortex of rats were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operation group, the mNSS, the relative cerebral infarction volume and the TUNEL positive cells rate were increased (P<0.01), pyroptosis was severe, the protein and mRNA expression levels of PPARγ, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD were elevated (P<0.01); and the protein expression of GSDMD-N and contents of IL-1ß and IL-18 were increased (P<0.01) in the model group. When compared with the model group, the mNSS, the relative cerebral infarction volume and the TUNEL positive cells rate were decreased (P<0.01), pyroptosis was alleviated, the protein and mRNA expression levels of PPARγ were increased (P<0.01), the protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD were decreased (P<0.01), the protein expression of GSDMD-N was reduced (P<0.01); and the contents of IL-1ß and IL-18 were lower (P<0.01) in the EA group and the agonist group; while, in the EA + inhibitor group, the protein expression of PPARγ was increased (P<0.01), the protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 and GSDMD were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), the mRNA expression of caspase-1 was reduced (P<0.01); and the contents of IL-1ß and IL-18 were lower (P<0.01). When compared with the EA + inhibitor group, the mNSS, the relative cerebral infarction volume and the TUNEL positive cells rate were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), pyroptosis was alleviated, the protein and mRNA expression levels of PPARγ were increased (P<0.01), the protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD were decreased (P<0.01), the protein expression of GSDMD-N was reduced (P<0.01); and the contents of IL-1ß and IL-18 were declined (P<0.01) in the EA group. Compared with the agonist group, in the EA group, the relative cerebral infarction volume and the TUNEL positive cells rate were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the mRNA expression of PPARγ was decreased (P<0.01) and the protein expression of GSDMD-N was elevated (P<0.05); and the contents of IL-1ß and IL-18 were higher (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Tongdu Tiaoshen EA pretreatment can attenuate the neurological impairment in the rats with CIRI, and the underlying mechanism is related to the up-regulation of PPARγ inducing the inhibition of NLRP3 in the cerebral cortex of rats so that pyroptosis is affected.

Protective effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with Xiaoxuming decoction on dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease model.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible mechanism of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with Xiaoxuming decoction (, XXMD) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into eight groups ( 12), including blank group, model group, medication group, acupuncture group, high-dose XXMD group (XXMD-H), low-dose XXMD group (XXMD-L), acupuncture combined with high-dose XXMD group (A+H), and acupuncture combined with low-dose XXMD group (A+L). After treatment for 6 weeks, dopamine (DA) neurons and the pathological changes of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive cells were observed. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the content of DA and the level of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The mRNA level of PINK1 and Parkin and the protein expression of Nix, PINK1 and Parkin in the substantia nigra were also detected. RESULTS: Combination treatment effectively ameliorated the symptoms of PD. Compared with model group, combined treatment significantly up-regulated the protein expression of Nix, Parkin and PINK1 and the mRNA levels of PINK1 and Parkin in the substantia nigra (<0.0001, <0.001, <0.01 or <0.05). Furthermore, the levels of pro-inflammation cytokines were obviously decreased after combination therapy, while IL-10 content was increased remarkably (<0.01). CONCLUSION: Compared with each treatment alone, combination therapy improved the pathological damage of DA neurons of PD mice more effectively. The possible mechanism may be attributed to the up-regulated level of mitochondrial autophagy and improved mitochondrial function. These results provide fresh insight into the mechanism of co-treatment with Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture and XXMD for PD.

The curative effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture on hemiplegia after stroke and its influence on nerve function and limb function / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the application of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture in patients with hemiplegia after stroke.Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 70 patients who met the inclusion criteria for post-stroke hemiplegia in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were divided into two groups, with 35 cases in each group, according to the random number table. The control group was given conventional treatment combined with rehabilitation exercise therapy, and the observation group was given Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture on the basis of the above, and both groups were treated continuously for 1 month. Compare of the two groups Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Activity of Daily Living (ADL) score; Brunnstrom stage method was used to assess the patient's motor ability, and Holden walking function grade was used to assess the patient's walking ability. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time(TT), and serum fibrinogen (FIB), D-dimer (D-D), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) levels were observed by ELISA. Adverse events were recorded and clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rates of the observation group and the control group were 97.14% (34/35) and 77.14% (27/35), respectively, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=6.25, P=0.012). After treatment, the scores of FMA and ADL in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( t values were 9.23 and 9.54, respectively, P<0.01), the MAS and NIHSS scores were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t values were 10.23 and 11.97, respectively, P<0.01). After treatment, the distribution of patients in Brunnstrom stage Ⅴ and Ⅵand Holden functional walking stage Ⅳ and Ⅴ in the observation group was significantly higher than those in the control group ( χ2 values were 11.96 and 11.27, respectively, P<0.05). After treatment, APTT, PT and TT in the observation group were significantly longer than those in the control group ( t values were 10.37, 13.57 and 6.54, respectively, P<0.01); serum FIB, D-D and PAI-1 levels were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t values were 12.85, 11.94 and 27.39, respectively, P<0.01). No adverse reactions occurred in both groups. Conclusion:The treatment of post-stroke hemiplegia with Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture can improve the effect of clinical treatment and the ability of daily life, neurological function, limb function, movement and walking ability, and stabilize the clotting state.

Effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen electroacupuncture pretreatment on PPARγ-mediated pyroptosis of cerebral cortex in rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen (promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and regulating the spirit) electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment on pyroptosis mediated by peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) of the cerebral cortex in rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIRI) and explore the potential mechanism of EA for the prevention and treatment of CIRI.@*METHODS@#A total of 110 clean-grade male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operation group, a model group, an EA group, an EA + inhibitor group and an agonist group, 22 rats in each group. In the EA group, before modeling, EA was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20), "Fengfu" (GV 16) and "Dazhui" (GV 14), with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/5 Hz in frequency, 1 to 2 mA in intensity, lasting 20 min; once a day, consecutively for 7 days. On the base of the intervention as the EA group, on the day 7, the intraperitoneal injection with the PPARγ inhibitor, GW9662 (10 mg/kg) was delivered in the EA + inhibitor group. In the agonist group, on the day 7, the PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone hydrochloride (10 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. At the end of intervention, except the sham-operation group, the modified thread embolization method was adopted to establish the right CIRI model in the rats of the other groups. Using the score of the modified neurological severity score (mNSS), the neurological defect condition of rats was evaluated. TTC staining was adopted to detect the relative cerebral infarction volume of rat, TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptosis of cerebral cortical nerve cells and the transmission electron microscope was used to observe pyroptosis of cerebral cortical neural cells. The positive expression of PPARγ and nucleotide-binding to oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in the cerebral cortex was detected with the immunofluorescence staining. The protein expression of PPARγ, NLRP3, cysteinyl aspartate specific protease-1 (caspase-1), gasdermin D (GSDMD) and GSDMD-N terminal (GSDMD-N) in the cerebral cortex was detected with Western blot. Using the quantitative real-time fluorescence-PCR, the mRNA expression of PPARγ, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD of the cerebral cortex was detected. The contents of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in the cerebral cortex of rats were determined by ELISA.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the sham-operation group, the mNSS, the relative cerebral infarction volume and the TUNEL positive cells rate were increased (P<0.01), pyroptosis was severe, the protein and mRNA expression levels of PPARγ, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD were elevated (P<0.01); and the protein expression of GSDMD-N and contents of IL-1β and IL-18 were increased (P<0.01) in the model group. When compared with the model group, the mNSS, the relative cerebral infarction volume and the TUNEL positive cells rate were decreased (P<0.01), pyroptosis was alleviated, the protein and mRNA expression levels of PPARγ were increased (P<0.01), the protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD were decreased (P<0.01), the protein expression of GSDMD-N was reduced (P<0.01); and the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 were lower (P<0.01) in the EA group and the agonist group; while, in the EA + inhibitor group, the protein expression of PPARγ was increased (P<0.01), the protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 and GSDMD were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), the mRNA expression of caspase-1 was reduced (P<0.01); and the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 were lower (P<0.01). When compared with the EA + inhibitor group, the mNSS, the relative cerebral infarction volume and the TUNEL positive cells rate were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), pyroptosis was alleviated, the protein and mRNA expression levels of PPARγ were increased (P<0.01), the protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD were decreased (P<0.01), the protein expression of GSDMD-N was reduced (P<0.01); and the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 were declined (P<0.01) in the EA group. Compared with the agonist group, in the EA group, the relative cerebral infarction volume and the TUNEL positive cells rate were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the mRNA expression of PPARγ was decreased (P<0.01) and the protein expression of GSDMD-N was elevated (P<0.05); and the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 were higher (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Tongdu Tiaoshen EA pretreatment can attenuate the neurological impairment in the rats with CIRI, and the underlying mechanism is related to the up-regulation of PPARγ inducing the inhibition of NLRP3 in the cerebral cortex of rats so that pyroptosis is affected.

[Effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture on CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway of hippocampus in rats with post-stroke depression].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the regulative effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture on the depression-like behavior and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine protein kinase B (TrkB) signaling pathway of hippocampus in rats with post-stroke depression (PSD), and to explore its possible mechanism on improving PSD. METHODS: A total of 36 SPF SD rats were randomized into a sham operation group, a model group and a Tongdu Tiaoshen group, 12 rats in each group. The compound method of Zea Longa suture-occlusion and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was used to establish the PSD model in rats of the model group and the Tongdu Tiaoshen group. On the 4th day after modeling, acupuncture was applied at "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Shuigou" (GV 26), "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Shenting" (GV 24) in the Tongdu Tiaoshen group, 40 min every time, once a day, 6 times a week for 4 weeks consecutively. On the 2nd day after PSD modeling and after 4-week intervention, Zea Longa neurobehavioral score was evaluated, sucrose water consumption test and open-field test were performed; biochemical method was used to detect the SOD, CAT activity and MDA level in hippocampal CA1 area; ELISA method was used to detect the serum level of BDNF; real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of BDNF, TrkB and CREB in hippocampal CA1 area; Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of BDNF, TrkB, CREB and p-CREB in hippocampal CA1 area. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, Zea Longa neurobehavioral scores were increased (P<0.05), percentage of sucrose water consumption, horizontal motion and vertical motion scores of open-field test were decreased after modeling and intervention in the model group and after modeling in the Tongdu Tiaoshen group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, Zea Longa neurobehavioral score was decreased (P<0.05), percentage of sucrose water consumption, horizontal motion and vertical motion scores of open-field test were increased after intervention in the Tongdu Tiaoshen group (P<0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, the SOD and CAT activity in hippocampal CA1 area and serum level of BDNF were decreased (P<0.05), MDA level in hippocampal CA1 area was increased in the model group (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the SOD and CAT activity in hippocampal CA1 area and serum level of BDNF were increased (P<0.05), MDA level was decreased in the Tongdu Tiaoshen group (P<0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, the mRNA expression of BDNF, TrkB and CREB as well as the protein expression of BDNF, TrkB, CREB and p-CREB were decreased in hippocampal CA1 area in the model group (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the mRNA expression of BDNF, TrkB and CREB, the protein expression of BDNF, TrkB and p-CREB as well as the ratio of p-CREB/CREB were increased in the Tongdu Tiaoshen group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture can improve the depression-like behavior in PSD rats, the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress in hippocampal tissues and the enhanced activity of CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.

[Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with carotid endarterectomy for carotid artery stenosis: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and simple CEA on carotid artery stenosis (CAS). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with CAS were randomized into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 3 cases dropped off). Both groups were treated with eversion CEA (eCEA). The conventional treatment of internal medicine and antiplatelet drugs i.e. aspirin enteric-coated tablet and clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablet were given in the control group for 4 weeks. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Fengfu (GV 16), Yamen (GV 15), cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2), Dazhui (GV 14), etc. in the observation group, once a day, 1-day rest was taken after 6-day treatment, 2 weeks were as one course and totally 2 courses were required. The carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) before and after treatment was detected by ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the TCM symptom score was compared before and after treatment and in the follow-up of 6 months after treatment, the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups. The occurrence of endpoints within 1 year was recorded. RESULTS: After treatment, the carotid IMT and TCM symptom scores were decreased compared before treatment in the both groups (P<0.05), and the changes in the observation group were greater than the control group (P<0.05). In the follow-up, the TCM symptom scores were decreased compared before treatment in the both groups (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 96.4% (27/28) in the observation group, which was superior to 88.9% (24/27) in the control group (P<0.05). There were 1 case of stoke in the observation group and 2 cases of stroke in the control group within 1-year follow-up, and there was no significant difference in the number of endpoints between the two groups within 1 year (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with CEA can effectively reduce the IMT in patients with CAS, improve the TCM symptom score, the efficacy is superior to simple CEA treatment.

Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with carotid endarterectomy for carotid artery stenosis: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and simple CEA on carotid artery stenosis (CAS).@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with CAS were randomized into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 3 cases dropped off). Both groups were treated with eversion CEA (eCEA). The conventional treatment of internal medicine and antiplatelet drugs i.e. aspirin enteric-coated tablet and clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablet were given in the control group for 4 weeks. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Fengfu (GV 16), Yamen (GV 15), cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2), Dazhui (GV 14), etc. in the observation group, once a day, 1-day rest was taken after 6-day treatment, 2 weeks were as one course and totally 2 courses were required. The carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) before and after treatment was detected by ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the TCM symptom score was compared before and after treatment and in the follow-up of 6 months after treatment, the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups. The occurrence of endpoints within 1 year was recorded.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the carotid IMT and TCM symptom scores were decreased compared before treatment in the both groups (P<0.05), and the changes in the observation group were greater than the control group (P<0.05). In the follow-up, the TCM symptom scores were decreased compared before treatment in the both groups (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 96.4% (27/28) in the observation group, which was superior to 88.9% (24/27) in the control group (P<0.05). There were 1 case of stoke in the observation group and 2 cases of stroke in the control group within 1-year follow-up, and there was no significant difference in the number of endpoints between the two groups within 1 year (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with CEA can effectively reduce the IMT in patients with CAS, improve the TCM symptom score, the efficacy is superior to simple CEA treatment.

[Clinical effect and mechanism of Jin's three-needle combined with Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture for intellectual disability in children].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Jin's three-needle combined with Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture on development level and activity of daily living in children with intellectual disability, and explore its mechanism. METHODS: A total of 60 children with intellectual disability were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off). In the control group, rehabilitation training and routine acupuncture were adopted, 30 min each time, once a day, 6 times a week for 3 months. On the base of the treatment as the control group, Jin's three-needle combined with Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture were adopted in the observation group. Jin's three-needle was applied at Sishenzhen, Zhisanzhen, Naosanzhen and Niesanzhen for 1 h, Shouzhizhen and Zuzhizhen for 30 min. Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Shuigou (GV 26), etc. for 30 min, once a day, 6 times a week for 3 months. Before and after treatment，the scores of developmental quotient (DQ) and activity of daily living (ADL) were recorded, and the serum levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine [DA], norepinephrine [NE] and 5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) were detected in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the scores of DQ and ADL and the serum levels of DA, NE, 5-HT after treatment were increased (P<0.05), the serum levels of NSE were decreased (P<0.05) in the two groups. After treatment, the scores of DQ and ADL and the serum levels of DA, NE, 5-HT in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05), while the serum level of NSE was lower than the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: On the base of rehabilitation training and routine acupuncture, Jin's three-needle combined with Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture can significantly improve development level and activity of daily living in children with intellectual disability, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of serum levels of NSE and monoamine neurotransmitter.

Clinical effect and mechanism of / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of @*METHODS@#A total of 60 children with intellectual disability were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off). In the control group, rehabilitation training and routine acupuncture were adopted, 30 min each time, once a day, 6 times a week for 3 months. On the base of the treatment as the control group, @*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the scores of DQ and ADL and the serum levels of DA, NE, 5-HT after treatment were increased (@*CONCLUSION@#On the base of rehabilitation training and routine acupuncture,

[Intestinal dysfunction of spinal cord injury treated with tongdu tiaoshen moxibustion: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effect on intestinal dysfunction of spinal cord injury (SCI) between the comprehensive therapy of tongdu tiaoshen moxibustion (moxibustion for opening the governor vessel and regulating the spirit) and rehabilitation training and the simple treatment with rehabilitation training. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with intestinal dysfunction of SCI were randomized into a comprehensive therapy group and a rehabilitation group, 30 cases in each one (3 cases were dropped out in each group). On the base of the routine western medicine treatment and rehabilitation training, the bowel training and rectal function training were provided, once a day in the rehabilitation group. In the comprehensive therapy group, on the base of the treatment as the rehabilitation group, the tongdu tiaoshen moxibustion was exerted at Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Mingmen (GV 4), Zhiyang (GV 9), Dazhui (GV 14) and Baihui (GV 20), etc, once a day, 30 min each time. In both groups, the treatment for 4 weeks was as one course and 3 courses of treatment were required. Separately, before treatment, after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, the scores of neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) and World Health Organization quality of life scale (WHOQOL-BREF) were observed and the clinical effect was evaluated after 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the total effective rate was 88.9% (24/27) in the comprehensive therapy group, which was higher than 74.1% (20/27) in the rehabilitation group (P<0.05). After 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, NBD scores were all reduced obviously as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0.01). After 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, NBD scores in the comprehensive therapy group were lower than the rehabilitation group (both P<0.05). After 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, the scores of all of the domains (psychology, physiology, social relations and environment) in WHOQOL-BREF were higher than those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0.01). After 4 weeks of treatment, the scores in the psychology and physiology domains in the comprehensive therapy group were higher than the rehabilitation group (all P<0.05). After 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, the scores of all of the domains in the comprehensive therapy group were higher than the rehabilitation group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The comprehensive treatment of tongdu tiaoshen moxibustion and rehabilitation training achieves the better effect on intestinal dysfunction of SCI than the simple rehabilitation training and greatly improves the quality of life in SCI patients.

[Insomnia treated with three acupuncture combinations guided by theory of Tongdu Tiaoshen: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical therapeutic effect and safety on insomnia among three acupuncture combinations, named Tongdu Tiaowei (promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and regulating the defensive system), Tongdu Yangxin (promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and nourishing the heart) and Tongdu Tiaozang (promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and regulating zang functions). METHODS: A total of 90 patients with insomnia were randomized into a Tongdu Tiaowei group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off ), a Tongdu Yangxin group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off ) and a Tongdu Tiaozang group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off ). Besides electroacupuncture (EA) applied to Baihui (GV 20) and Yintang (GV 29) in all of the three groups, acupuncture was added at Shenmai (BL 62) and Zhaohai (KI 6), Shenmen (HT 7) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) as well as back-shu points of five zang organs [Feishu (BL 13), Xinshu (BL 15), Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20) and Shenshu (BL 23)] in the Tongdu Tiaowei group, the Tongdu Yangxin group and the Tongdu Tiaozang group successively. The treatment was given once every two days, 3 times weekly, consecutively for 4 weeks. The score of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) before and after treatment was observed, the therapeutic effect was evaluated and the adverse reactions were recorded in the patients of each group. RESULTS: After treatment, the score of each of 6 factors, named sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance and daytime dysfunction, as well as the total score of PSQI scale were all reduced as compared with the scores before treatment in the patients of each group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of sleep latency and daytime dysfunction in the Tongdu Tiaowei group were lower than the other two groups (P<0.05). The score of sleep time in the Tongdu Yangxin group was lower than the other two groups (P<0.05) and the score of sleep quality in the Tongdu Tiaozang group was lower than the other two groups (P<0.05). After treatment, the total effective rates were 96.6% (28/29), 96.4% (27/28) and 96.6% (28/29) in the Tongdu Tiaowei group, the Tongdu Yangxin group and the Tongdu Tiaozang group successively, without significant difference in comparison among the three groups (P>0.05). During treatment, 1 case of mild adverse reaction occurred in each group. CONCLUSION: All of the three acupuncture combinations, named Tongdu Tiaowei, Tongdu Yangxin and Tongdu Tiaozang can effectively improve the sleep conditions in the patients with insomnia and are satisfactory in safety. The acupuncture combinations of Tongdu Tiaowei has the potential advantage in shortening sleep latency and relieving daytime dysfunction, the combinations of Tongdu Yangxin has the potential advantage in increasing sleep time and the combinations of Tongdu Tiaozang has the potential advantage in improving sleep quality.

[Effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture on PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy-related proteins of hippocampus in rats with post-stroke depression].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the improvement of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture on depression-like behavior in rats with post-stroke depression (PSD), and to explore its possible mechanism. METHODS: A total of 48 SD rats were randomized into a sham-operation group, a model group, a Tongdu Tiaoshen group and a non-meridian-non-acupoint group, 12 rats in each group. In the the model group, the Tongdu Tiaoshen group and the non-meridian-non-acupoint group, PSD model was established by the compound method of cerebral medial arterial occlusion, chronic unpredictable mild stress and isolation. Acupuncture was applied at "Dazhui"(GV 14), "Shuigou"(GV 26), "Baihui"(GV 20) and "Shenting" (GV 24) in the Tongdu Tiaoshen group, and at the bilateral dorsum hollows between 3rd and 4th metatarsal bones of the forelegs in the non-meridian-non-acupoint group, needles were retained for 40 min in the both groups, once a day, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. Before model establishment and after intervention, the ethology indice of Zea Longa neurological behavioral score, open-field test and sucrose preference test were evaluated in the 4 groups. The levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), Beclin1 and LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰin the CA1 region of hippocampus were detected by western blot. The expressions of Beclin1, LC3B-ⅡmRNA in the CA1 region of hippocampus were detected by real-time PCR. RESULTS: After model established, compared with the sham-operation group, the Zea Longa neurological behavioral scores were increased (P<0.05), the scores of horizontal and vertical motion of the open-field test and the consumption of sucrose solution were decreased in the model group, the Tongdu Tiaoshen group and the non-meridian-non-acupoint group (P<0.05). After intervention, compared with the sham-operation group, the Zea Longa neurological behavioral score, the expression of Beclin1, LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ and LC3B-Ⅱin the CA1 region of hippocampus were increased (P<0.05), the scores of horizontal and vertical motion of the open-field test, the consumption of sucrose solution and the expression of PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR were decreased in the model group (P<0.05). After intervention, compared with the model group and the non-meridian-non-acupoint group, the Zea Longa neurological behavioral score, the expression of Beclin1, LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ and LC3B-Ⅱin the CA1 region of hippocampus were decreased (P<0.05), the scores of horizontal and vertical motion of the open-field test, the consumption of sucrose solution and the expression of PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR were increased in the Tongdu Tiaoshen group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture can effectively improve the depression-like behavior in PSD rats, its mechanism may relate to the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and the inhibition of hippocampal neuron autophagy.

Intestinal dysfunction of spinal cord injury treated with moxibustion: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effect on intestinal dysfunction of spinal cord injury (SCI) between the comprehensive therapy of moxibustion (moxibustion for opening the governor vessel and regulating the spirit) and rehabilitation training and the simple treatment with rehabilitation training.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with intestinal dysfunction of SCI were randomized into a comprehensive therapy group and a rehabilitation group, 30 cases in each one (3 cases were dropped out in each group). On the base of the routine western medicine treatment and rehabilitation training, the bowel training and rectal function training were provided, once a day in the rehabilitation group. In the comprehensive therapy group, on the base of the treatment as the rehabilitation group, the moxibustion was exerted at Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Mingmen (GV 4), Zhiyang (GV 9), Dazhui (GV 14) and Baihui (GV 20), etc, once a day, 30 min each time. In both groups, the treatment for 4 weeks was as one course and 3 courses of treatment were required. Separately, before treatment, after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, the scores of neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) and World Health Organization quality of life scale (WHOQOL-BREF) were observed and the clinical effect was evaluated after 12 weeks of treatment.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the total effective rate was 88.9% (24/27) in the comprehensive therapy group, which was higher than 74.1% (20/27) in the rehabilitation group (<0.05). After 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, NBD scores were all reduced obviously as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all <0.01). After 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, NBD scores in the comprehensive therapy group were lower than the rehabilitation group (both <0.05). After 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, the scores of all of the domains (psychology, physiology, social relations and environment) in WHOQOL-BREF were higher than those before treatment in the two groups (all <0.01). After 4 weeks of treatment, the scores in the psychology and physiology domains in the comprehensive therapy group were higher than the rehabilitation group (all <0.05). After 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, the scores of all of the domains in the comprehensive therapy group were higher than the rehabilitation group (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The comprehensive treatment of moxibustion and rehabilitation training achieves the better effect on intestinal dysfunction of SCI than the simple rehabilitation training and greatly improves the quality of life in SCI patients.

Insomnia treated with three acupuncture combinations guided by theory of / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical therapeutic effect and safety on insomnia among three acupuncture combinations, named @*METHODS@#A total of 90 patients with insomnia were randomized into a Tongdu Tiaowei group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off ), a Tongdu Yangxin group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off ) and a Tongdu Tiaozang group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off ). Besides electroacupuncture (EA) applied to Baihui (GV 20) and Yintang (GV 29) in all of the three groups, acupuncture was added at Shenmai (BL 62) and Zhaohai (KI 6), Shenmen (HT 7) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) as well as back-@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the score of each of 6 factors, named sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance and daytime dysfunction, as well as the total score of PSQI scale were all reduced as compared with the scores before treatment in the patients of each group (@*CONCLUSION@#All of the three acupuncture combinations, named

[Effect of "Tongdu Tiaoshen" needling on cognitive dysfunction in patients with sepsis asso-ciated encephalopathy and its mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of "Tongdu Tiaoshen" (dredging Governor Vessel and regula-ting mind,needling on the cognitive function of patients with sepsis associated encephalopathy (SAE). METHODS: A total of 64 patients with SAE were enrolled in the present study, and randomly and equally divided into a control group and a treatment group. Patients in the control group received conventional medicines and conventional needling treatment. The patients of the treatment group received conventional medicines and "Tongdu Tiaoshen" needling treatment. The treatment was conducted once daily for 10 days. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale was used to assess the therapeutic effect after the treatment. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) was detected by radioimmunoassay, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was detected by immuno-scattering method, and arterial blood lactic acid (Lac) content was detected by blood gas analyzer. RESULTS: The effective rate in the treatment group was obviously higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). After the treatment, the MoCA scores were considerably increased in both groups compared with their own pre-treatment (P<0.01), and the MoCA scores in the treatment group were obviously higher than those of the control group in the visual space and executive function, attention and computational power, language, abstraction and delayed recall dimensions (P<0.01). The contents of IL-6, CRP and Lac in both groups were significantly decreased after the treatment relevant to those of their own pre-treatment (P<0.01), and were obviously lower in the treatment group than those in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: "Tongdu Tiaoshen" needling can significantly improve the cognitive function of SAE patients, which may be associated with its effect in reducing inflammatory reaction of sepsis.

[Effect of "Tongdu Tiaoshen" needling combined with swallowing training on dysphagia, cerebral blood flow and serum BDNF and NGF levels in ischemic stroke patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of Tongdu Tiaoshen (dredging Governor Vessel and regulating mind) needling combined with swallowing training in the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS) with dysphagia, and to investigate its effect on cerebral blood flow and serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF). METHODS: A total of 100 IS inpatients with dysphagia were enrolled in the present study, and randomly and equally divided into control group and treatment group by using a random number table. The patients of the control group received routine swallowing training including tongue extending and retracting, cheek-muscle training, breathing exercise, and laryngopharyngeal exercise, beginning from the 2nd day after hospitalization. The patients of the treatment group received manual acupuncture stimulation of Dazhui (GV14), Fengfu (GV16), Shenting (GV24), Shendao (GV11), Baihui (GV20), Shuigou (GV26), etc., on the basic treatment as those mentioned in the control group. The treatment was conducted once daily, 5 times per week and for 4 successive weeks. The swallowing ability was tested by using video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), Kubota water swallowing test, and the standard swallowing function assessment (SSA) scale, separately, and patients' daily life quality was assessed by using swallowing related quality of life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL). The cerebral hemodynamics including mean blood flow velocity (Vm), maximum peak flow speed (Vs), and vascular resistance index (RI) of the bilateral cerebral arteries was detected by transcranial color Doppler ultrasound tests, and serum BDNF and NGF contents were assayed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The therapeutic effect of swallowing ability was evaluated after the treatment. RESULTS: After 4 weeks' treatment, the scores of Kubata water swallowing test, SSA, and SWAL-QOL and RI were considerably decreased (P<0.01), and the VFSS scores, Vs and Vm levels as well as serum BDNF and NGF contents were significantly increased (P<0.01) in both groups compared with their own pre-treatment. Of the 48 and 49 cases in the control and treatment groups, 4 (8.33%) and 8(16.33%) were cured, 26 (54.17%) and 33 (67.35%) effective, 18 (37.50%) and 8 (16.33%) failed, with the effective rate being 62.50% and 83.67%, respectively. The therapeutic effect of the treatment group was significantly superior to that of the control group in the effective rate (P<0.05), and in lowering the scores of Kubota water swallowing test, SWAL-QOL, SSA, RI, and in up-regulating the scores of VFSS, Vs and Vm, and serum BDNF and NGF levels (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Tongdu Tiaoshen needling combined with swallowing training is effective in improving swallowing ability, promoting cerebral blood flow and in up-regulating serum neurotrophic factor levels in patients with dysphagia after ischemic stroke.

[Protective effects on hippocampal neurons and the influence on hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters with acupuncture for promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and regulating the mental state in rats with post-stroke depression].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects on hippocampal neuronal structure and hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine (NE), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) with acupuncture for promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and regulating the mental state (Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture) in rats with post-stroke depression and explore the underlying effect mechanism of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture on post-stroke depression. METHODS: A total of 48 clean-grade SD rats were randomized into a sham-operation group, a model group, a Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group and a non-meridian-non-acupoint group, 12 rats in each one. In the model group, the Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group and the non-meridian-non-acupoint group, the compound method of cerebral medial arterial occlusion and the chronic unpredictable mild stress was adopted to prepare the model of post-stroke depression. In the sham-operation group, skin was opened and the fascia muscle was separated, after artery exposed, no ligation was operated and the incision was sutured directly. In the sham-operation group and the model group, no any intervention was performed. In the Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20), "Shuigou" (GV 26), "Shenting" (CV 24) and "Dazhui" (GV 14) for 40 min in each treatment and the needles were manipulated at the acupoints once in 20 min. The treatment was given once a day, 6 times a week for 4 weeks consecutively. In the non-meridian-non-acupoint group, the depression between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal bones on the dorsum of the forelimb was selected in intervention and the needling technique was same as the Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group. The behavioral changes were observed after intervention in each group. Using transmission electron microscopy, the ultrastructure of hippocampal CA 1 neurons was observed in the rats of each group. Using high performance liquid chromatography, the contents of NE, 5-HT and DA were determined. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operation group, the Zea-longa neurobehavioral score was increased (P<0.01), the sucrose water consumption was reduced (P<0.01), the number of times of horizontal movement and vertical movement in open-field test were reduced (both P<0.01), the damage of the ultrastructure of hippocampal CA 1 neurons was aggravated and the contents of NE, 5-HT and DA were reduced in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Zea-Longa neurobehavioral score was reduced (P<0.01), the sucrose water consumption was increased (P<0.01), the number of times of horizontal movement and vertical movement in open-field test were increased (both P<0.01), the damage of the ultrastructure of hippocampal CA 1 neurons was alleviated and the contents of NE, 5-HT and DA were increased in the Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the non-meridian-non-acupoint group, the Zea-Longa neurobehavioral score was reduced (P<0.01), the sucrose water consumption was increased (P<0.01), the number of times of horizontal movement and vertical movement in open-field test were increased (both P<0.01), the damage of the ultrastructure of hippocampal CA 1 neurons was alleviated and the contents of NE, 5-HT and DA were increased in the Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture improves the behavior of the model rats with post-stroke depression, repairs hippocampal neuronal damage, which is probably related to the contents of hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters (NE, 5-HT and DA).