Effects of Acupressure on Vertebral Artery Blood Flow in Tension-type Headache Patients

Abstract

Objectives: We studied the effects of GaAlAs (808 nm) low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and of acupuncture theory (AT) at BL40 on neuropathic pain induced in rats by lumbar spinal nerve 5 ligation. Methods: To produce the model of neuropathic pain, we ligated the lumbar spinal nerve 5 under isoflurane 2.5% anesthesia by using 6-0 silk thread. After neuropathic surgery, we examined the animals to determine if they exhibited the behavioral sign of allodynia. The allodynia was assessed by stimulating the medial malleolus with a von Frey filament or with acetone. Three weeks after the neuropathic surgery, GaAlAs (808 nm) LLLT and AT were applied at BL40 once a day for 6 days. We examined the withdrawal response of the neuropathic rats' legs by using a von Frey filament or acetone stimulation. Also, the author examined c-Fos, nociceptin and nociceptin receptor in the midbrain central gray matter of neuropathic rats. Results: The GaAlAs (808 nm) LLLT and AT at BL40 decreased the withdrawal response of mechanical allodynia as assessed with a von Frey filament in the LLLT group by 5 and 6 times and as assessed with acetone in the AT group and the LLLT groups by 6 times. LLLT and AT at BL40 decreased the c-Fos protein expression in both the AT and the LLLT groups. The 808-nm LLLT and AT at BL40 decreased the nociceptin protein and nociceptin receptor protein in the LLLT group. Conclusion: We have noticed that GaAlAs (808 nm) LLLT and acupuncture at BL40 decreased mechanical allodynia in the model of neuropathic pain. c-Fos, nociceptin and nociceptin receptor expressions in the central gray matter of that group was also decreased. This study can be used as a basic resource for the study and the treatment of pain.