Abstract
Objective Based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), to observe the changes of brain function of bilateral uterine points stimulated by electroacupuncture, so as to provide imaging basis for acupuncture in the treatment of gynecological and reproductive diseases. Methods 20 healthy female subjects were selected to stimulate bilateral uterine points (EX-CA1) by electroacupuncture. FMRI data before and after acupuncture were collected. The ReHo values before and after acupuncture were compared by using the analysis method of regional homogeneity (ReHo) of the whole brain, so as to explore the regulatory effect of acupuncture intervention on brain functional activities of healthy subjects. Results Compared with before acupuncture, the ReHo values of the left precuneus lobe, left central posterior gyrus, calcarine, left lingual gyrus, and cerebellum decreased significantly after acupuncture. Conclusion Electroacupuncture at bilateral uterine points can induce functional activities in brain areas such as the precuneus, cerebellum, posterior central gyrus, talform sulcus, and lingual gyrus. The neural activities in these brain areas may be related to reproductive hormone level, emotional changes, somatic sensation, and visual information. It can clarify the neural mechanism of acupuncture at uterine points in the treatment of reproductive and gynecological diseases to a certain extent.
Highlights
Functional magnetic resonance imaging technology is a new noninvasive, nonradioactive, and multiangle method to detect local brain functional activities
Through functional magnetic resonance imaging technology, we preliminarily explore the effect of electroacupuncture stimulating bilateral uterine acupoints on brain function, so as to provide imaging basis for further exploring the mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion
A total of 20 female healthy subjects were included in this study, and all completed Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning before and after acupuncture
Summary
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology is a new noninvasive, nonradioactive, and multiangle method to detect local brain functional activities. Uterine acupoint (ex-ca1) is one of the odd acupoints outside the meridian It has the effects of warming the uterus and regulating menstruation, promoting qi and relieving pain, raising Yang, and lifting depression. It is widely used to treat gynecological diseases such as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, infertility, and uterine prolapse [3]. Because it is located in the less abdomen and is outside the uterus, it is the main acupoint for regulating the uterus [4]. Through functional magnetic resonance imaging technology, we preliminarily explore the effect of electroacupuncture stimulating bilateral uterine acupoints on brain function, so as to provide imaging basis for further exploring the mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion
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