Abstract
BackgroundContinuous and porous low hydraulic resistance channels (LHRCs) are important structures of meridians in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In this study, based on the previous research on LHRCs along meridian paths (LHRCMs)in mini-pig, we aimed to detect the low hydraulic resistance point (LHRP) and display the LHRCMs in rats. MethodsA technique for measuring interstitial hydraulic resistance (Rh) in rats was established to detect and measure the Rh along the conception vessel (CV) in TCM, and Alcian Blue (AB) solution was injected into the LHRP along the CV. The interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) of the LHRP was measured before and after AB injection. Then, the distribution characteristics of the AB solution were investigated to explore the relationship between AB tracks and meridian paths in TCM. ResultsThe positions of the LHRPs coincided with the low impedance points (LIPs) of the rat skin along the CV. The Rh value along the CV (10.37±1.26, × 106 dyne s cm−5) was significantly lower than that in the non-meridian area (19.13±1.37, × 106 dyne s cm−5, P<0.01). After AB injection, the IFP of the LHRP was 2.52 mmHg, which was higher than that before AB injection. The AB tracks (ABT) along the CV, spleen meridian, and kidney meridian appeared in one or two directions, with single or multiple paths and uneven thickness and length. The appearance rate was 73.33%. ConclusionsLHRCMs existed not only in minipigs but also in rats. The LHRCMs could be observed after AB injection into the LHRP in the subcutaneous connective tissues of rats.
Published Version
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