Frequency Electroacupuncture Research Articles

Endogenous opiates in the parabrachial nucleus mediate the electroacupuncture – induce sleep activities in rats

Introduction Previous studies indicate that electroacupuncture (EA) of Anmian acupoint (EX 17) enhances vagal activity and changes the synaptic morphology in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) by different EA stimulus frequencies. The goal of this study is to investigate the role of parabrachial nucleus (PBN), which receives afferents from NTS, in the EA-induced sleep alterations. Materials and methods Total of six male Sprague–Dawley rats, weighted 250–300 g, was used. We microinjected naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, into the PBN before the EA stimulation. A 30-min EA stimulation was performed at the beginning of the dark period in a 12:12 h light:dark cycle. The frequency of EA used in this experiment was 10 Hz, and the EEGs were recorded after EA stimulation and lasted for 24 h. Results Our preliminary results indicated that EA significantly enhanced non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep between the 6th and the 9th hour after the 30-min EA stimuli. The percentage of NREM sleep between 6- and 9-h of the dark period increased from 19.2 +/- 2.9% obtained after control to 43 +/- 3.6% (one-way ANOVA, p 0.05). Microinjection of naloxone (broad-spectrum opioid receptor antagonist) into the PBN 30 min prior to the EA stimulation reduced the percentage of NREM sleep to 30.3 +/- 3.7 % (one-way ANOVA, p 0.05 vs. the effect of EA). Conclusion Our results indicated that 10 Hz EA stimulation of Anmian acupoints increased spontaneous NREM sleep during the dark period, suggesting the sleep improvement for EA stimuli of Anmian acupoints. Microinjection of naloxone directly into the PBN blocked EA-induced enhancement of NREM sleep, indicating the role of endogenous opioids in the PBN. This observation further demonstrated endogenous opioids in the PBN, the relay nucleus of NTS, mediate EA-induced sleep alterations. Acknowledgements This study is supported by National Science Council grant ( NSC 101-2321-B-002-065 ).

An Exploratory Review of the Electroacupuncture Literature: Clinical Applications and Endorphin Mechanisms

Electroacupuncture (EA) is widely used in clinical practice and research, as well as in experimental investigations into the mechanisms of acupuncture. This study explores publication trends in clinical and experimental studies of EA (1975-2011) for pain and non-pain research; EA use for different clinical conditions (1974-2012); and the relation of EA research, including stimulation frequency, to opioid peptide mechanisms. Appropriate PubMed 'all fields' searches were conducted, identified studies were classified using PubMed filters and manually, and data extracted into tables. A total of 2916 clinical studies were located, of which 19% involved EA. Additionally, 3344 animal studies were located, of which 48% involved EA. The publication rate of EA studies per year has risen over time, but the percentage of studies of pain has fallen from 60% to 25%. The conditions most commonly treated with EA are musculoskeletal, neurological, obstetric and gastrointestinal, along with intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. EA studies, particularly with low frequency stimulation, are more likely to support the role of endogenous opioid mechanisms than manual acupuncture studies, and opioid release is more likely in the central nervous system than the circulation. EA is increasingly used in clinical and especially experimental research, particularly for non-pain conditions. Acupuncture does release endogenous opioids, but this probably depends on 'dosage', with the evidence more consistent and convincing for EA than for manual acupuncture. Different frequencies of EA appear to activate different endogenous opioid mechanisms.

Hacia un tratamiento óptimo de la artrosis de rodilla con acupuntura: revisión de los diferentes enfoques, técnicas, y sus efectos

Patients with knee osteoarthritis who do not improve with pharmacological treatment seek for options in acupuncture. This treatment, even when it has sufficient evidence, remains left out of most clinical practice guidelines. We have analyzed in depth the originals referring to knee osteoarthritis and acupuncture that appear on our last published meta-analysis, compiling the relevant information in order to try to explain its heterogeneous results. Out of the 7 analyzed trials, the variety of the environment where they have been carried out, the skills and number of therapists that performed the technique, the different techniques applied, styles and doses, and the different control groups are emphasized. Relative improvement in acupuncture cases ranged from 86.5% and 7.1%; the improvement in groups of patients treated with fake acupuncture (on its various branches) was more uniform, around 30%. To sum up, if we pursue an optimal treatment, we must observe the diagnosis of the condition according to traditional Chinese medicine, design a personalized treatment, behold the environment, combine both local (based on canal diagnosis) and distal (in order to work directly on the substrate) points, add low frequency electroacupuncture in local points and, should it be deemed necessary (due to meteorological or etiopathogenic reasons) add moxibustion to the treatment. Patients will receive an average of 8 to 12 sessions, at a pace of one session per week, although the first sessions could be performed twice per week.

Optimal electroacupuncture frequency for maintaining astrocyte structural integrity in cerebral ischemia.

The astrocyte is a critical regulator of neuronal survival after ischemic brain injury. Electroacupuncture may be an effective therapy for cerebral ischemia, as electroacupuncture frequency can affect the structural integrity of astrocytes. In this study, a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion established using the modified thread embolism method was treated with electroacupuncture of the bilateral Quchi (LI11) and Zusanli (ST36) at 15, 30, and 100 Hz frequencies. Behavioral testing, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy were used to explore the effect of these electroacupuncture frequencies used on maintaining the structural integrity of ischemic brain tissue. Compared with the model and 100 Hz electroacupuncture groups, the 15 and 30 Hz electroacupuncture groups displayed decreased neurological deficit scores, as evaluated by the “Longa” method, significantly increased glial fibrillary acidic protein expression, and alleviated ultrastructural damage of astrocytes at the edge of the infarct. Our experimental findings indicate that 15 and 30 Hz electroacupuncture intervention can favorably maintain the structural integrity of astrocytes and play a protective role in cerebral ischemic injury. Astrocyte structural integrity may be the mechanism underlying acupuncture production of ischemic tolerance.

Low Frequency Electroacupuncture Alleviated Spinal Nerve Ligation Induced Mechanical Allodynia by Inhibiting TRPV1 Upregulation in Ipsilateral Undamaged Dorsal Root Ganglia in Rats

Neuropathic pain is an intractable problem in clinical practice. Accumulating evidence shows that electroacupuncture (EA) with low frequency can effectively relieve neuropathic pain. Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) plays a key role in neuropathic pain. The study aimed to investigate whether neuropathic pain relieved by EA administration correlates with TRPV1 inhibition. Neuropathic pain was induced by right L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rats. 2 Hz EA stimulation was administered. SNL induced mechanical allodynia in ipsilateral hind paw. SNL caused a significant reduction of TRPV1 expression in ipsilateral L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG), but a significant up-regulation in ipsilateral L4 and L6 DRGs. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) change was consistent with that of TRPV1. EA alleviated mechanical allodynia, and inhibited TRPV1 and CGRP overexpressions in ipsilateral L4 and L6 DRGs. SNL did not decrease pain threshold of contralateral hind paw, and TRPV1 expression was not changed in contralateral L5 DRG. 0.001, 0.01 mg/kg TRPV1 agonist 6′-IRTX fully blocked EA analgesia in ipsilateral hind paw. 0.01 mg/kg 6′-IRTX also significantly decreased pain threshold of contralateral paw. These results indicated that inhibition of TRPV1 up-regulation in ipsilateral adjacent undamaged DRGs contributed to low frequency EA analgesia for mechanical allodynia induced by spinal nerve ligation.

Simultaneous CBF and BOLD mapping of high frequency acupuncture induced brain activity

This study mapped brain activity elicited by high frequency electroacupuncture by simultaneously using blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) contrasts. Forty subjects participated in the study, in which twenty ones were imaged during electrical acupoint stimulation (EAS) to the left LI4 acupoint at a maximal intensity without pain, and the others were with a minimal-EAS at a just detectible intensity. Both BOLD and CBF data were acquired simultaneously during alternating blocks of rest and stimulation. The results showed that the minimal-EAS mostly induced the activities in somatosensory region, including those in inferior parietal lobule, SII, insula, and thalamus. On the other hand, EAS activated more including also posterior middle cingulate cortex (pMCC), and deactivated superior temporal gyrus. Moreover, deactivation was found in posterior cingulated cortex (PCC), precuneus from BOLD and in culmen of cerebellum, caudate from CBF. The comparison between EAS and minimal-EAS revealed deactivation in the default mode network in both BOLD and CBF signals, activation in thalamus, insula, and caudal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in the CBF signal alone, and deactivation in putamen, rostral ACC and parahippocampal gyrus in the BOLD signal alone. This study provides, for the first time, simultaneous CBF and BOLD responses to high frequency EAS at the LI4 acupoint, revealing concordant and complementary insights into the neural effects of EAS, including modulation of subcortical structures and limbic system.

High frequency electro-acupuncture enhances striatum DAT and D1 receptor expression, but decreases D2 receptor level in 6-OHDA lesioned rats

The direct effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) on the dopaminergic neurotransmitter system in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients remain elusive. In the present study, 0, 2 or 100Hz EA was applied to acupoints Sanyinjiao (SP6), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Zusanli (ST36) in a rat model unilaterally lesioned by 6-hydroxydopamine. Rotational behavior tests were performed and the animals were then decapitated. Levels of striatal dopamine (DA), dopamine transporter, and D1- and D2-like DA receptors were subsequently evaluated. EA at 100Hz was shown to significantly enhance survival of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (52.10±11.41% of the level on the non-lesioned rats vs. 21.22±5.52% in the non-EA group, P<0.05) and reduce motor deficits (207.80±31.14 vs. 476.11±68.80turns/30min, P<0.05), whereas it only slightly restored the 6-hydroxydopamine-induced loss of striatal DA (P>0.05 vs. the non-EA group). There was a 253.78% increase in dopamine transporter protein expression in the striatum in the 100Hz EA group (P<0.05 vs. the non-EA group). Moreover, high frequency EA induced increases in striatal D1-like receptor mRNA and protein levels of 81.88% and 62.62%, respectively (P<0.001 and P<0.05 vs. the non-EA group). However, the D2-like DA receptor up-regulation observed in the non-EA group was suppressed in high frequency group (P>0.05 vs. the sham operation group). These findings suggest that high-frequency EA might work by acting on presynaptic dopamine transporter and postsynaptic dopamine receptors simultaneously to achieve a therapeutic effect in PD patients and models. This might shed some light on the mechanism by which EA affects the DA neurotransmitter system.

Protecting action of acupuncture-drug compound anesthesia with different frequency electroacupuncture on stress reaction in patients of pneumonectomy

ObjectiveTo observe the protective effect of acupuncture-drug compound anesthesia with different frequency electroacupuncture (EA) on stress reaction in patients of pneumonectomy and to explore potential mechanisms. MethodsEighty patients scheduled for pneumonectomy were randomly divided into four groups, group A, B, C and D, 20 cases in each group. General anesthesia and single lung protective mechanical ventilation were carried out in all the groups. Acupuncture was given at Hòuxī (▪ SI 3), Zhīgōu (▪ TE 6), Nèiguān (▪ PC 6), and Hégŭ (▪ LI 4) 30 min before general anesthesia, and the acupuncture needles were connected with Han's acupoint nerve stimulator (HANS-200) in all the groups, but the acupuncture needles without needle bodies were pasted on the acupoints and EA was not given in the group A. 2 Hz continuous wave, 100 Hz continuous wave and 2 Hz/100 Hz EA were given in the group B, C and D respectively. The supplementary amount of anesthesia medicine, heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) during pneumonectomy, and CD+4/CDCD+8 in venous blood before and one day after the surgery, and the contents of epinephrine (E) and Cortisol (Cor) in plasma after entering the operating room and before turning out the operating room were detected. Results▪ During the operation, supplementary amounts of Fentanyl in the group B and C were lower than those in the group A and D (P<0.05, P<0.01). ▪ The MAP in the four groups at tracheal intubation (T1) all were higher than those before anesthesia (T0) (all P<0.01), and the ascending extents in the group B, C and D were lower than that in the group A (all P<0.01); HR at T1 in the group A was higher than that at T0 (P<0.05), while no significant change in the other groups (all P>0.05), and the ascending extents in the group B and D were lower than that in the group A (both P<0.05); MAP and HR at the other moments in all the groups were stable. ▪ CD+4/CD+8 in the group A after pneumonectomy was lower than that before the surgery (P<0.05), while no significant change in the other groups (all P>0.05). ▪ Contents of E and Cor after the operation were significantly increased in all the groups (all P<0.01), and the ascending extent of E content in the group D was lower than that in the group A (P<0.05); the ascending level of Cor in the group B and D was lower than that in the group A (P<0.01), and in the group B was lower that in the group C and D. ConclusionAcupuncture-drug compound anesthesia can attenuate the stress reaction so as to protect organs under the condition of less or same narcotic amount and can alleviate the fluctuation of MAP and HR at tracheal intubation and stabilize CD+4/CD+8 after pneumonectomy. Among them, 2 Hz and 2 Hz/100 Hz EA have better effects.

Repetitive electroacupuncture causes prolonged increased met-enkephalin expression in the rVLM of conscious rats.

Enkephalinergic neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM), an important presympathetic region in the brainstem, are activated by 30 min of low frequency (2 Hz) electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoints P5-P6, which overlie the median nerves. To more closely model the clinical application of acupuncture, we administered EA for 30 min twice over a 72 h period to unsedated conscious rats to examine its prolonged action. We hypothesized that repetitive EA would increase preproenkephalin mRNA and met-enkephalin in the rVLM of unsedated conscious rats. Rats received either EA (1-4 mA, 0.5 ms, 2 Hz) or sham stimulation (needle placement without electrical stimulation) twice at P5-P6 acupoints bilaterally. Preproenkephalin mRNA and its peptide met-enkephalin in the rVLM were measured 24 or 48 h after the final EA or sham procedure. Relative ratios of preproenkephalin mRNA levels (normalized with the 18S housekeeping gene) were almost doubled at 24h compared to sham (6.1 ± 0.79 vs. 3.1 ± 0.47). Met-enkephalin measured in rVLM tissue pooled from several rats exposed to the same treatment was increased by repeated EA by 68% after 24h and 51% after 48h, relative to sham. These findings suggest that repeated application of EA in the conscious rats enhances transcription and translation of enkephalin in rVLM for days. Since opioids in the rVLM contribute importantly to the action of EA on sympathetic outflow, this mechanism may contribute to the prolonged action of acupuncture on elevated blood pressure in patients.

Role of neuropeptide Y in regulating hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad axis in the rats treated with electro-acupuncture

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an important regulator of reproductive axis, which mainly plays some roles in regulating secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in hypothalamus. In previous studies, we found that the repeated low frequency electro-acupuncture (EA) down-regulated hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis of common rats and rabbits during puberty. In this study, we investigated the role of NPY in regulating the reproductive axis of common rats at different developmental stages and rats treated with the repeated EA. Low frequency EA (3 Hz) was performed at acupoints (treatment groups) or non-acupoints (control groups) for 20 min daily for 10 days in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats at four developmental stages, which were juvenile stage, early puberty stage, later puberty stage and adult stage. NPY expression in the hypothalamus were determined using RT-PCR and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) after 10 days-treatments. The results showed that NPY expression in the early pubertal group (EPG) was significantly depressed after repeated EA (P<0.05). Compared with the results of GnRH expression and body weights, the change of NPY expression was similar with the fluctuation of GnRH expression after EA and the increase of body weights of rats was not influenced by the depression of NPY expression after EA during early puberty. The results demonstrated that repeated low frequency EA was an effective method on down-regulating not only the GnRH expression but also the NPY expression in the hypothalamus without reducing body weights of rats during early puberty.

Effects of different frequencies of electro-acupuncture at Shuigou (GV 26) on recovery of motor function in rats with focal cerebral ischemic injury

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different frequencies of electro-acupuncture at Shuigou (GV 26) on the latent period and wave amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in rats with focal cerebral infarction. MethodsFifty healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: controls, model, 2 Hz Shuigou, 50 Hz Shuigou and 100 Hz Shuigou. There were 10 rats in each group. Using a modification of a technique for middle cerebral artery occlusion, focal cerebral ischemic injury was induced in all rats except those in the control group. The rats in the control group received no treatment. After behavioral deficit had been evaluated using the Zausinger 6-point neurological function score, the rats in the Shuigou groups underwent acupuncture and continuous wave stimulation at a frequency of 2 Hz, 50 Hz or 100 Hz (intensity 1 mA) for 10 min twice daily for 3 days. The control and model groups underwent no intervention. Zausinger 6-point neurological function score and MEPs were measured 72 h after the start of treatment. ResultsThe neurological function scores of the three Shuigou groups were significantly higher than those of the model group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between sides in the latency and amplitude of MEPs in the model group (P>0.05). The latency on the affected side in the model group was significantly longer than that in the control group (P<0.05) and the amplitude on affected side was significantly reduced (P<0.01). After 3 days of electro-acupuncture, the latency on the affected side in the 2 Hz Shuigou group was significantly shortened (P<0.05) and the amplitude was significantly increased (P<0.05) compared with the model group. ConclusionLow frequency electro-acupuncture at Shuigou (GV 26) can promote recovery of motor function after focal cerebral ischemic injury in rats.

Low frequency electroacupuncture selectively decreases voluntarily ethanol intake in rats

Although there is increasing clinical acceptance of acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA) as a treatment of substance abuse-related disorders, our understanding of this treatment remains incomplete. Previous clinical and pre-clinical studies have shown that acupuncture and EA are effective in reducing ethanol consumption. Recent studies have shown that Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats under an intermittent-access two-bottle choice drinking procedure (IE procedure) voluntarily drank high amounts of ethanol. However, an effect of EA on ethanol consumption of the SD rats under this drinking procedure has not been demonstrated.In the present study, we demonstrated that SD rats escalated their ethanol intake and subsequently developed ethanol dependence under the IE procedure. A single low (2Hz), but not high frequency (100Hz) EA treatment applied at the bilateral acupoint Zusanli (ST36), but not at the tail reduced voluntary intake of, and preference for ethanol, but not sucrose. Furthermore, repeated EA treatments decreased the intake of and preference for ethanol, without resulting in a rebound increase in ethanol intake when the EA treatments were terminated. These observations indicate that EA may be a useful treatment for alcohol abuse.

Comparison of Electroacupuncture Frequency-related Effects on Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Clinical Trial

AbstractThis study aimed to compare the effects of high frequency electroacupuncture (EA) and low-frequency EA on the autonomic nervous system by using a heart rate variability measuring device in normal individuals. Fourteen participants were recruited and each participated in the high-frequency and low-frequency sessions (crossover design). The order of sessions was randomized and the interval between the two sessions was over 2 weeks. Participants received needle insertion with 120-Hz stimulation during the high-frequency session (high-frequency EA group), and with 2-Hz stimulation during the low-frequency session (low-frequency EA group). Acupuncture needles were directly inserted perpendicularly to LI 4 and LI 11 acupoints followed by delivery of electric pulses to these points for 15 minutes. Heart rate variability was measured 5 minutes before and after EA stimulation by a heart rate variability measuring system. We found a significant increase in the standard deviation of the normal-to-normal interval in the high-frequency EA group, with no change in the low-frequency EA group. Both the high-frequency and low-frequency EA groups showed no significant differences in other parameters including high-frequency power, low-frequency power, and the ratio of low-frequency power to high-frequency power. Based on these findings, we concluded that high-frequency EA stimulation is more effective than low-frequency EA stimulation in increasing autonomic nervous activity and there is no difference between the two EA frequencies in enhancing sympathovagal balance.

A Parametric Study on the Immunomodulatory Effects of Electroacupuncture in DNP-KLH Immunized Mice.

This study was conducted to compare the effects of low frequency electroacupuncture (EA) and high frequency EA at acupoint ST36 on the production of IgE and Th1/Th2 cytokines in BALB/c mice that had been immunized with 2,4-dinitrophenylated keyhole limpet protein (DNP-KLH), as well as to investigate the difference in the immunomodulatory effects exerted by EA stimulations at acupoint ST36 and at a non-acupoint (tail). Female BALB/c mice were divided into seven groups: normal (no treatments), IM (immunization only), ST36-PA (IM + plain acupuncture at ST36), ST36-LEA (IM + low frequency (1 Hz) EA at ST36), ST36-HEA (IM + high frequency (120 Hz) EA at ST36), NA-LEA (IM + low frequency (1 Hz) EA at non-acupoint) and NA-HEA (IM + high frequency (120 Hz) EA at non-acupoint). EA stimulation was performed daily for two weeks, and total IgE, DNP-KLH specific IgE, IL-4 and IFN-γ levels were measured at the end of the experiment. The results of this study showed that the IgE and IL-4 levels were significantly suppressed in the ST36-LEA and ST36-HEA groups, but not in the NA-LEA and NA-HEA groups. However, there was little difference in the immunomodulatory effects observed in the ST36-LEA and ST36-HEA groups. Taken together, these results suggest that EA stimulation-induced immunomodulation is not frequency dependent, but that it is acupoint specific.

EFFECTS OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE ON DEPRESSION IN A RAT MODEL

To investigate the antidepressant-like effect of electroacupuncture (EA) in a validated rat model. Wistar Kyoto rats, a valid animal model of depression, were randomly divided into two groups, EA (n = 7) and placebo control (n = 6). EA treatment was given once a day, 5 days a week, for 3 weeks. Two acupoints, GV14 (Dazhui) and GV20 (Baihui), respectively on the cervical spine and scalp, were selected. EA frequency was held constant at 2Hz (2 pulses/second), pulse width 0.3-ms, and intensity was adjusted to 3 mA. Forced swim tests (FST), open field tests (OFT; e.g., a. rearing and grooming, b. distance traveled within a central area, c. time spent in central area, and d. total distance traveled), and the Morris Water Maze test (MWM) were conducted 3 weeks after the initial treatment. In the FST, there was significant difference between EA and control (P < 0.05) in immobility. In the OFT, there were significant differences between EA and control (P < 0.05) in rearing and grooming (P < 0.05). In the MWM, there were significant differences between treatment and control in frequency of crossing the platform (P < 0.05) and its surrounding area (P < 0.05). Our data demonstrate that EA enhances memory and improves depression-related behaviors in a rat model of depression. This suggests that the modality may have therapeutic effects on depression in humans. Electroacupuncture may act on depression by protecting nerve cells in the hippocampus.

Changes in expression of vanilioid receptor subtype 1 in dorsal root ganglion and effect of electroacupuncture on morphine tolerance in rats with inflammatory pain and morphine tolerance

Objective To investigate the changes in expression of vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and effect of electroacupuncture (EA)on morphine tolerance in rats with inflammatory pain (IP) and morphine tolerance. Methods Thirty 8 month old male SD rats in which intrathecal (IT) catheters were successfully implanted without complication were randomly divided into 6 groups ( n = 5 each): group A IP + normal saline (NS) 10 μl IT twice a day × 7 days;group B intact rats + morphine 10 μg/kg(10 μl )IT twice a day × 7 days;group C IP + morphine 10 μg/kg(10 μl) IT once;group DIP + morphine 10μg/kg(10 μl) IT twice a day × 7 days;group E and F IP + EA (frequency 2/15 Hz) + morphine 10μg/kg(10 μl) IT twice a day × 7 days. IP was induced by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the anlle joint of the left hindlimb. IT morphine or NS was started on the 4th day after induction of IP. EA of Yanglingquan and Zusanli lasting 30 min was performed once a day after first IT administration of morphine for 7 days. Paw withdrawal latency (PWL) to a thermal nociceptive stimulus was measured before induction of IP (baseline), at 1 day before and 1-7days of consecutive IT administration. The animals were sacrificed after last PWL measurement. The DRGs of the lumbar segment (L4-6) were removed for determination of VR1 expression in total and membrane protein using Western blot analysis. Results There was no significant difference in the baseline PWL measured before induction of IP among the 6 groups. Morphine tolerance developed in group B and D but did not develop in group E and F.The expression of VR1 in total and membrane protein of DRG was highest in group D and was significantly lower in group E than in group F. Conclusion VR1 in DRG is involved in the development of morphine tolerance. EA can inhibit morphine tolerance by down-regulating the expression of VR1. Key words: Drug tolerance; Morphine; Inflammation; Electroacupuncture; TRPV cation channels

Spinal GABA receptors mediate the suppressive effect of electroacupuncture on cold allodynia in rats

This study was performed to determine whether spinal GABAergic systems mediate the relieving effects of low frequency electroacupuncture (EA) on cold allodynia in a rat tail model of neuropathic pain. For neuropathic surgery, the right superior caudal trunk was resected at the level between the S1 and S2 spinal nerves innervating the tail. Two weeks after the nerve injury, the intrathecal catheter was implanted. Five days after the catheterization, rats were intrathecally injected with gabazine (GABA A receptor antagonist, 0.0003, 0.001 or 0.003 μg), or saclofen (GABA B receptor antagonist, 3, 10 or 30 μg). Ten minutes after the injection, EA (2 Hz) was applied to the ST36 acupoint for 30 min. The cold allodynia was assessed by the tail immersion test (i.e. immersing the tail in cold (4 °C) water and measuring the latency of an abrupt tail movement) before and after the EA treatment. EA stimulation at ST36 significantly inhibited the cold allodynia sign, whereas EA at non-acupoint and plain acupuncture at ST36 (without electrical stimulation) did not show antiallodynic effects. Intrathecal administration of gabazine or saclofen blocked the relieving effects of ST36 EA stimulation on cold allodynia. These results suggest that spinal GABA A and GABA B receptors mediate the suppressive effect of low frequency EA on cold allodynia in the tail neuropathic rats.

해계 유침과 전침이 loperamide로 저하된 흰 쥐의 장운동에 미치는 영향

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of acpuncture and electro-acupuncture of low(EA(L)) and high(EA(H)) frequency at Haegye(ST41) on intestinal hypomotility induced with loperamide in rats. Methods : We made suppressed state of intestinal motility with loperamide in rats and carried out needle retention acupuncture, low frequency electro-acupuncture and high frequency electro-acupuncture at ST41 in rats devided into pre-treatment group and post-treatment group. We fed charcoal to them after the treatment and measured the travel rate of charcoal in the gastrointestinal track to analyze which treatment is more effective in state of intestinal hypomotility. Results : None of acupuncture, EA(L) and EA(H) at ST41 had significant influences on intestinal motility of rat in normal state. Needle retention at ST41 did not significantly increase intestinal motility suppressed with loperamide in rats. Pre-treatment of EA(L) and EA(H) at ST41 significantly increased intestinal motility suppressed with loperamide in rats. Post-treatment of EA(L) and EA(H) at ST41 did not have significant influences on intestinal motility of rat in normal state. Conclusions : These results suggest that treatment of EA(L) and EA(H) at ST41 may be effective on gastric disorders such as intestinal hypomotility and its effect had more prevention than cure. Further study is necessary to know more effects of ST41 and electro-acupuncture of low and high frequency.

Effect of differential electroacupuncture frequencies on behavior of acute stress depression model of C57BL/6 mice

Objective To explore the effect of different frequencies interference of electoracupuncture on acute stress of C57BL/6 mice. Methods Thirty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into model group,2Hz electroacupunture group and 100 Hz electroacupunture group.After interfering 7 days by electroacupuncture,all the mice were carried forced swimming tests and tail suspension test,and the immobility time in 5 minutes were taken down. Results The immobility time of forced swimming test and tail suspension test of 2 Hz eletroacupuncture group(32.00±14.73)s,(72.50±20.44)s was shorter than those of 100 Hz electoracupuncture group(145.60±34.62)s,(124.22±21.67)s( P 0.05). Conclusions The effect of 2 Hz eletroacupuncture could improve the behaviors of the acute stress of C57BL/6 mice and had the more effectiveness on anti-depression. Key words: Depression ; Electroacupuncture ; Forced swimming tests ; Tail suspension test ;

Spondylolisthesis and Spondylolysis Treated With Electroacupuncture: Case Reports

ABSTRACT Background: Spondyolisthesis, a forward slip between one vertebrae relative to another, usually occurs in the lower part of the lumbar spine area. Among the main causes of spondylolisthesis is spondylolysis, a separation in a vertebral arch between the corpus and the spinous process. No articles were identified that discussed the use of acupuncture to treat spondylolisthesis. Objective: To describe the acupuncture treatment of 2 patients with back pain due to spondylolisthesis. Design, Setting, and Patients: Case descriptions of 2 affected patients: one with a 40-year history of low back pain and the other with a 4-year history of low back and leg pain. Both were treated by the author at a Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic in Australia. Both patients were followed up through 2007. Intervention: For patient 1, bilateral acupuncture needling at BL 23 Shenshu, BL 25 Dachangshu, and BL 40 Weizhong. Electroacupuncture frequency for this patient was 50 Hz. Acupuncture treatment was every 5 days. A si...