Abstract
Our previous study proved that hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVH) plays an important role in acupuncture analgesia. The effect of acupuncture on the concentrations of arginine vasopressin (AVP), oxytocin (OXT), leucine-enkephaline (L-Ek), β-endorphin (β-Ep) and dynorphinA 1–13 (DynA 1–13) was investigated in rat PVH. Electrical acupuncture of “Zusanli” points (St. 36) 30 min increased the AVP, not OXT, L-Ek, β-Ep and DynA 1–13 concentrations in PVH tissue using micropunch and radioimmunoassay, which showed a negative relationship between the pain threshold and AVP concentrations in PVH tissue. Electrical acupuncture could elevate the AVP concentrations in PVH perfuse liquid during acupuncture, and then reduce the AVP concentrations in PVH perfuse liquid after acupuncture. But no change in OXT, L-Ek, β-Ep and DynA 1–13 concentrations was detected in PVH perfuse liquid. Electrical acupuncture decreased the number of AVP, not OXT, L-Ek, β-Ep and DynA 1–13 immunoreactive cells in PVH using immunocytochemistry. The results suggested that only AVP, not OXT and endogenous opiate peptides in PVH involved acupuncture analgesia in the rat.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
