Evaluating Dielectric Properties for Assessing Water Content at Acupuncture Points: New Methodology.

Importance: Understanding acupuncture point microenvironments is vital for optimizing treatment efficacy. Evaluating changes in water content at these points can provide further insights into the effects of acupuncture on tissues. Objective: This study aimed to measure tissue dielectric constant (TDC) and assess changes in water content, specifically at stomach 36 (ST36, Zusanli) and spleen 6 (SP6, Sanyinjiao) acupuncture points. Methods: In a controlled, blinded, randomized trial, 113 healthy volunteers were divided into six groups based on TDC sensor diameters (XS, M, and L): three control groups and three acupuncture groups. They were assessed at three time points: T1, baseline; T2, 20 min post-needle withdrawal; and T3, 40 min post-needle withdrawal. Electrical impedance (EI) was also analyzed. Significance level was set at p < 0.001. Results: TDC at ST36 and SP6 significantly decreased with the XS probe at T2 and T3 compared with that at T1 (F8, 452: 54.61). TDC did not significantly vary between T2 and T3 with M and L probes. EI data indicated that the current passage increased in the SP (F2, 226: 39.32) and ST (F2, 226: 37.32) groups during T2 and T3 compared with that during T1 within their respective groups and controls. Conclusions: and Relevance: This study demonstrated the efficacy of TDC measurements in detecting water content fluctuations at acupuncture points and their responses to needles. TDC measurements, which were validated against EI, provide valuable insights into acupuncture point microenvironments and thus help optimize treatments.

Static magnetic field blocked alprazolam-induced behavior of Wistar rats in the elevated plus-maze test.

Studies have shown that psychotropic drugs change rat behavior in the elevated plus-maze test (EPM). This study investigated whether static magnetic fields could alter alprazolam-induced rat behavior in the EPM. 66 male Wistar rats (270-300 g weight) were assigned to one of the following groups: Sham Magnetic + Saline (SMS), North Pole + Saline (NPS), South Pole + Saline (SPS), Sham magnetic + alprazolam (SMA), NP + alprazolam (NPA), and SP + alprazolam (SPA). After five days of static magnetic stimulation (3200 Gauss), they received alprazolam or saline (1 mg/kg), and their behavior was evaluated. Two-way ANOVA and Holm-Sidak post-hock were used, with a significant P value of <0.05. The SMA and NPA groups showed an increased number of entries and time in the open arms compared with the SMS group. SPA showed a decrease in these measures when compared to SMA [F(2,61) = 6.43 and F(2,61) = 3.72, respectively]. The SMA and NPA groups showed increased head dipping and end-arm activity compared with the SMS group. SPA showed a decrease in these measures when compared to SMA [F(2,61) = 3.37 and [F(2,61) = 4.72, respectively]. These results show that the south magnetic pole of a static magnetic field blocked the alprazolam effect in the space-time variables of the open arms and ethological anxiolytic-like behavior in the EPM.

Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture Effects of ST-36 (Zusanli) and SP-9 (Yinlingquan) on Motor Behavior in Ischemic Gerbils.

Objective: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. To find ways to reduce behavioral disabilities, researchers study animal models. By targeting ST-36 (Zusanli) and SP-9 (Yinlingquan), this study investigated the effects of traditional acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA) on motor behavior in gerbils following global cerebral ischemia. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six male gerbils were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n = 6 in each): control (C); sham-surgical (S); ischemia (I); acupuncture (Ac); EA (Ea); and sham-EA (SEa). The animals were habituated in an activity cage (AC) 72 hours before surgery. After induction of global ischemia, the Ac, Ea, and SEa groups received bilateral stimulation at ST-36 and SP-9. In the Ea group, an alternating electrical current was used. The animals were tested in the AC 4 days after surgery, and the results were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, followed by Dunn's posthoc test. Results: Statistical analysis revealed increased distance traveled and sensors triggered by the I, Ea, and SEa groups, compared to the C, Ac, and S groups. The animals' movement tracks had a similar pattern between the I and Ea groups, with increased exploration along the walls of the AC. Meanwhile, the Ac, S, and SEa groups explored the AC similarly to the C group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that acupuncture may normalize motor behavior in gerbils with ischemia and could be a promising treatment for stroke-induced motor deficits.