High Frequency Electroacupuncture Research Articles

Electroacupuncture improves endometrial receptivity through miRNA-223-3p-mediated regulation of leukemia inhibitory factor / signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway

ABSTRACT Ovulation-inducing drugs such as endogenous steroids could reduce endometrial receptivity during the implantation window, resulting in lower clinical pregnancy rates and higher miscarriage rates. The present study employed electroacupuncture therapy along with different frequencies on elevating impaired endometrial receptivity to elucidate the mechanism therein. The rats were split up into seven groups of normal, model, low-frequency electroacupuncture (LF-EA), high-frequency electroacupuncture (HF-EA), LF-EA+anti-miRNA, HF-EA+anti-miRNA, and anti-miRNA. PCR assays were used to detect miR-223-3p expressions. The effects of electroacupuncture and miR-223-3p on rats’ endometrial membrane cell-drinking process in a manner of scanning electron microscopy were recorded. After that we observed on the electroacupuncture effects on the conditions of adhesion molecules and LIF/STAT3 signaling pathway with assays of immunofluorescence and Western Blot. This study was end up with dual luciferase assay, where combination of miR-233-3p onto the 3’-UTR sequence of LIF was determined. PCR assay demonstrated that HF-EA procured an inhibition in miR-223-3p expression, whereas scanning electron microscopy turned out that both electroacupuncture and miR-223-3p were capable of raising the amount of intrauterine pinocytosis and the number of blastocyst implantation in rats. Additionally, assays of Western Blot and immunofluorescence showed that therapy of electroacupuncture brought about decreasing expressions in adhesion molecules of E-cadherin, β-catenin and claudin-1 (CLDN1). We found that both electroacupuncture and miR-223-3p were able to fortify LIF/STAT3 signaling pathway, then the fact of miR-223-3p combination to LIF 3’-UTR sequence was validated via our dual-luciferase assay. Electroacupuncture therapy inhibited the miR-223-3p expression upon LIF/STAT3 signaling pathway to elevate endometrial receptivity.

High-frequency electroacupuncture improves endometrial receptivity via regulating cell adhesion molecules and leukemia inhibitory factor / signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway

ABSTRACT Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) impairs the endometrium receptivity during the implantation window, resulting in a lower clinical pregnancy rate and a higher abortion rate. Our study explored the effect of electroacupuncture on the endometrial receptivity of COH rats. Female rats were randomly divided into normal treatment (Normal), model treatment (Model), low-frequency electroacupuncture treatment (LF-EA) and high-frequency electroacupuncture treatment (HF-EA). Rats in the Model, LF-EA, and HF-EA treatment groups were injected with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to establish a model of COH rats. Compared with the Normal, the endometrial thickness, the number of pinopodes and amount of blastocyst implantation in the Model group were significantly reduced. Among them, the endometrial thickness and the amount of blastocyst implantation in the Model group were substantially decreased than those in the HF-EA group. High-frequency electroacupuncture treatment could markedly reduce the protein expression levels of E-cadherin, β-catenin and claudin-1 (CLDN1). During HF-EA treatment, the LIF/STAT3 signaling pathway of COH rats was enhanced. In conclusion, electroacupuncture could improve the endometrium receptivity and promote the blastocyst implantation in COH rats by reducing cell adhesion molecules and enhancing the LIF/STAT3 signaling pathway. Highlights High-frequency electroacupuncture could effectively improve endometrial receptivity and blastocyst implantation amount in COH rats. Electroacupuncture, especially high-frequency electroacupuncture, could significantly increase endometrial thickness and the number of pinopodes. High-frequency electroacupuncture significantly reduced the protein expression levels of E-cadherin, β-catenin and CLDN1 adhesion molecules in COH rats. High-frequency electroacupuncture could markedly enhance the LIF/STAT3 signaling pathway in COH rats.

Clinical observation of electroacupuncture with different frequencies for migraine without aura

To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) with different frequencies in treating migraine. Ninety patients with migraine were divided into a low frequency electroacupuncture (LF-EA) group, a high frequency electroacupuncture (HF-EA) group and a variable frequency electroacupuncture (VF-EA) group by the random number table method. Shuaigu (GB 8), Hegu (LI 4), Waiguan (TE 5), Taichong (LR 3), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Fengchi (GB 20) and Ashi points were selected for all three groups. After achieving needling sensation (Deqi), the LF-EA group received 2 Hz continuous wave EA stimulation; the HF-EA group received 100 Hz continuous wave EA stimulation, and the VF-EA group received 2 Hz/100 Hz sparse-dense wave EA stimulation. The EA stimulation lasted for 30 min in all the three groups, once a day, 10 times as a course, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after 2 consecutive courses of treatment. After treatment, the total effective rates in the LF-EA group, HF-EA group and VF-EA group were 77.7%, 83.3% and 93.3%, respectively. The difference in total effective rate between the LF-EA and HF-EA groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05), but the total effective rate was significantly higher in the VF-EA group than in the LF-EA and HF-EA groups (both P 0.05), while the score was significantly lower in the VF-EA group than in the LF-EA and HF-EA groups (both P<0.01). VF-EA (2 Hz/100 Hz), compared with LF-EA (2 Hz) and HF-EA (100 Hz), shows superior clinical efficacy in treating migraine.

Electroacupuncture accelerates the delayed intestinal transit in POI by suppressing M1 like muscularis macrophages and IL6 secretion.

Electroacupuncture (EA) at ST-36 could accelerate the delayed gastrointestinal (GI) motility in many GI motility dysfunction models, but the definite effect and mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we intended to investigate the effects of EA on intestinal manipulation (IM) mice model and involved mechanisms. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into five groups: normal control, intestinal manipulation (IM), IM with sham EA (SEA), IM with high-frequency EA (HEA), and IM with low-frequency EA (LEA). The GI transit was evaluated. The infiltration of muscularis macrophages (MMφ) and its phenotype were analyzed with flow cytometry. Magnetic-activated cell sorting was applied to isolate MMφ, and the relationship between the MMφ and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) was further investigated. (1) Compared with the IM group, HEA and LEA attenuated the delayed intestinal transit. (2) Both the HEA and LEA obviously reduced the MMφ and suppressed the M1 activation of the MMφ in the ileum. (3) EA restored the disrupted ICC networks through inhibiting the release of IL6 by the MMφ. (1) Electroacupuncture at acupoint ST-36 could accelerate the delayed intestinal transit in the IM murine model by restoring the ICC networks. (2) EA protected the ICCs through reducing the MMφ, inhibiting its M1 polarization and its IL6 secretion.

Lower frequency electroacupuncture is better in promoting recovery of limb locomotion in rats with sciatic nerve injury by reducing local inflammatory reaction

To observe the effect of different frequencies (2 Hz, 100 Hz) of electroacupuncture (EA) on limb locomotion and the expression of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α in sciatic nerve, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in lumber(L)4-L5of spinal cord in rats with sciatic nerve injury (SNI), so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying improvement of SNI. A total of 48 SD rats (half male and half female) were equally divided into blank control, model, low frequency (2 Hz) EA and high frequency (100 Hz) EA groups. The SNI model was established by clamping the spinal nerve. EA intervention (2 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 mA), starting on the 8th day after modeling, was applied to "Huantiao" (GB30) on the injured side for 15 min, once daily for 14 consecutive days. The sciatic function index (SFI) was calculated to assess the injured hindlimb recovery with reference to BAIN's and colleagues' methods. Histopathological changes of the sciatic nerve were displayed by H.E. staining. The expressions of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the sciatic nerve tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of NF-κB in the spinal cord was detected by using Western blot. After modeling, the SFI level on day 8 was significantly decreased in the model group (P<0.01), and no significant differences were found among the model, low frequency EA and high frequency EA groups before the EA intervention (P>0.05). Following the treatment (at the 22nd day), the SFI values of both low frequency EA and high frequency EA groups were significantly increased (P<0.01), suggesting an improvement of the limb motor function, and the SFI of the low frequency EA group was notably higher than that of the high frequency EA group (P<0.01). In comparison with the blank control group, the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α in the sciatic nerve and NF-κB protein in the spinal cord were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05). Following EA intervention, the increased expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB proteins were significantly down-regulated in both low frequency EA and high frequency EA groups (P<0.05), and the therapeutic effect of low frequency EA was markedly superior to that of high frequency EA in down-regulating the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB protein (P<0.05). H.E. staining showed increase of Schwann cells in number, cellular swelling, and disintegration of the axons and myelin sheath, and appearance of vacuolar degeneration in the model group, which was relatively milder in both low frequency EA and high frequency EA groups, particularly in the low frequency EA group. EA of GB30 at 2 Hz and 100 Hz can promote the recovery of hindlimb motor function in SNI rats, which is probably related to its function in inhibiting the inflammatory response, and facilitating the repair of the damaged sciatic nerve. 2 Hz EA is better than 100 Hz EA in the therapeutic effect.

Electroacupuncture Accelerates the Delayed Intestinal Transit in POI by Suppressing M1 Like Muscularis Macrophages and IL6 Secretion

Background: Electroacupuncture (EA) at ST-36 could accelerate the delayed gastrointestinal (GI) motility in many GI motility dysfunction models, but the definite effect and mechanisms are unclear. In this study, We intended to investigate the effects of EA on intestinal manipulation (IM) mice model and involved mechanisms. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into five groups: normal control, intestinal manipulation (IM), IM with sham EA (SEA), IM with high-frequency EA (HEA) and IM with low-frequency EA (LEA). The GI transit was evaluated. The infiltration of muscularis macrophages (MMφ) and its phenotype were analysed with flow cytometry. Magnetic-activated cell sorting was applied to isolate MMφ, and the relationship between the MMφ and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) was further investigated. Results: (1) Compared with the IM group, HEA and LEA attenuated the delayed intestinal transit. (2) Both the HEA and LEA obviously reduced the MMφ and supressed the M1 activation of the MMφ in the ileum. (3) EA restored the disrupted ICC networks through inhibiting the release of IL6 by the MMφ. Conclusion: (1)EA at acupoint ST-36 could accelerate the delayed intestinal transit in the IM murine model by restoring the ICC networks. (2)EA protected the ICCs through reducing the MMφ, inhibiting its M1 polarization and its IL6 secretion. Funding Statement: The work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (nos. 81570488; nos. 81770536). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare they have no conflict interests. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals of Tongji Medical College, the Committee of Experimental Animals of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology.

Effect of Electroacupuncture Stimulation at Different Frequencies On Brain Waves

Frequency and intensity of stimulation are important parameters in electroacupuncture. This study investigated the effect of electro acupuncture at different frequencies and intensities via electroencephalography. Bilateral ST36 (zusanli) of 15 healthy participant volunteers were stimulated via two different modes of electroacupuncture: 2Hz (low frequency) with a highintensity mode (5-6mA), and 120Hz (high frequency) with a low-intensity (22.5mA) mode. Eight-channel EEG were recorded before and during the electro acupuncture stimulation. After eliminating artifacts from raw EEG data, power spectrum analysis was done according to frequency bands: theta (48Hz), alpha (8-13Hz), beta (13-30Hz), and gamma (30-50Hz) bands. With electroacupuncture stimulation, the absolute theta power was decreased compared with baseline in the overall region (P&lt;0.05 in all channel with some minor exceptions). Moreover, high frequency electroacupuncture stimulation increased the absolute alpha power in the posterior region (P=0.047 in left; P=0.125 in right). Further, high frequency electroacupuncture stimulation decreased the absolute beta power in prefrontal region (P=0.006 in left; P=0.006 in right), and decreased the absolute gamma power in posterior region (P=0.035 in right). It is likely that electroacupuncture at ST36 affects brain waves differently depending on stimulation frequency.

Observations on the Therapeutic Effect of Different Frequency Electroacupuncture on Poststroke Hemidysesthesia

Objective to observethe clinical effect of electroacupuncture with different frequency in the treatment of hemidysesthesia after stroke. Methods Sixty patients with hemidysesthesia after stroke were randomly divided into treatment group and control groups, with 30 cases in each group. Both groups were treated with electroacupuncture with the same acupoint selection. The electroacupuncture frequency was 100 Hz in the treatment group and 1 Hz in the control group. The clinical effficacy of the two groups was observed after 30 days of treatment. Results The total effective rate and the recovery rate of the treatment group were 93.3% and 80.0%, respectively, and the control group were 86.0% and 43.3%, respectively The difference in the total effective rate between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). And the difference in the recovery rate between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). There were was a statistically significant differences in the scores of limb dysesthesia score between the two groups after treatment and before treatment (p < 0.01). There was a statistically significant difference in the limb dysesthesia score after treatment between the treatment group and control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Electroacupuncture is an effective method to treat poststroke hemidysesthesia. High frequency electroacupuncture is more obvious than low frequency electroacupuncture.

Application of High Frequency Electroacupuncture in Treating Post Herpetic Neuralgia

Application of High Frequency Electroacupuncture in Treating Post Herpetic Neuralgia

High-frequency (50 Hz) electroacupuncture ameliorates cognitive impairment in rats with amyloid beta 1-42-induced Alzheimer's disease.

Acupuncture has been shown to ameliorate cognitive impairment of Alzheimer's disease. Acupoints and stimulation frequency influence the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture. Rat models of Alzheimer's disease were established by injecting amyloid beta 1-42 (Aβ1-42) into the bilateral lateral ventricles. Electroacupuncture at 2, 30, and 50 Hz was carried out at Baihui (GV20; 15° obliquely to a depth of 2 mm) and Shenshu (BL23; perpendicularly to 4-6 mm depth), once a day for 20 minutes (each), for 15 days, taking a break every 7 days. The Morris water maze test was conducted to assess the learning and memory. The expression levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), pSer9-GSK-3β, pTyr216-GSK-3β, amyloid precursor protein and Aβ1-40 in the hippocampus were determined by western blot assay. Results demonstrated that electroacupuncture treatment at different frequencies markedly improved learning and memory ability, increased synaptic curvatures, decreased the width of synaptic clefts, thickened postsynaptic densities, and downregulated the expression of GSK-3β, amyloid precursor protein, and Aβ1-40. pSer9-GSK-3β expression markedly decreased, while pTyr216-GSK-3β expression increased. High-frequency (50 Hz) electroacupuncture was more effective than low (2 Hz) or medium-frequency (30 Hz) electroacupuncture. In conclusion, electroacupuncture treatment exerts a protective effect against Aβ1-42-induced learning and memory deficits and synapse-ultrastructure impairment via inhibition of GSK-3β activity. Moreover, high-frequency electroacupuncture was the most effective therapy.

Electroacupuncture at ST-36 Protects Interstitial Cells of Cajal via Sustaining Heme Oxygenase-1 Positive M2 Macrophages in the Stomach of Diabetic Mice.

Background Electroacupuncture (EA) at ST-36 has been reported to improve delayed gastric emptying and protect the networks of ICC in diabetic models. However, the mechanisms of the effects of EA are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the HO-1 positive M2 macrophages participate in the protective effects of EA for the ICC networks. Methods Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into five groups: the normal control group, diabetic group (DM), diabetic mice with sham EA group (SEA), diabetic mice with low frequency EA group (LEA), and diabetic mice with high frequency EA group (HEA). ICC network changes were detected by Ano1 immunostaining. F4/80 and HO-1 costaining was used to measure HO-1 positive macrophage expression. Western blot and PCR methods were applied to monitor HO-1, IL-10, and macrophage markers, respectively. The serum MDA levels were detected by a commercial kit. Results This study presents the following results: (1) Compared with the control group, ICC networks were severely disrupted in the DM group, but no obvious changes were found in the LEA and HEA groups. (2) Many HO-1 positive macrophages could be observed in the LEA and HEA groups, and the expression of HO-1 was also markedly upregulated. (3) The IL-10 expression was obviously upregulated in the LEA and HEA groups. (4) The serum MDA levels were decreased in the real EA group. (5) When compared to the DM group, the expression of CD163 and Arg-1 was increased in the LEA and HEA groups, but the iNOS expression was decreased. Conclusion The protective effects of EA on the networks of ICC may rely on the HO-1 positive macrophages to mediate anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress effects.

The role of treatment timing and mode of stimulation in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea with acupuncture: An exploratory randomised controlled trial.

ObjectivesWe examined the effect of changing treatment timing and the use of manual, electro acupuncture on the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea.MethodsA randomised controlled trial was performed with four arms, low frequency manual acupuncture (LF-MA), high frequency manual acupuncture (HF-MA), low frequency electro acupuncture (LF-EA) and high frequency electro acupuncture (HF-EA). A manualised trial protocol was used to allow differentiation and individualized treatment over three months. A total of 74 women were randomly assigned to one of the four groups (LF-MA n = 19, HF-MA n = 18, LF-EA n = 18, HF-EA n = 19). Twelve treatments were performed over three menstrual cycles, either once per week (LF groups) or three times in the week prior to menses (HF groups). All groups received a treatment in the first 48 hours of menses. The primary outcome was the reduction in peak menstrual pain at 12 months from trial entry.ResultsDuring the treatment period and nine month follow-up all groups showed statistically significant (p < .001) reductions in peak and average menstrual pain compared to baseline but there were no differences between groups (p > 0.05). Health related quality of life increased significantly in six domains in groups having high frequency of treatment compared to two domains in low frequency groups. Manual acupuncture groups required less analgesic medication than electro-acupuncture groups (p = 0.02). HF-MA was most effective in reducing secondary menstrual symptoms compared to both–EA groups (p<0.05).ConclusionAcupuncture treatment reduced menstrual pain intensity and duration after three months of treatment and this was sustained for up to one year after trial entry. The effect of changing mode of stimulation or frequency of treatment on menstrual pain was not significant. This may be due to a lack of power. The role of acupuncture stimulation on menstrual pain needs to be investigated in appropriately powered randomised controlled trials.

High-frequency electroacupuncture evidently reinforces hippocampal synaptic transmission in Alzheimer's disease rats.

The frequency range of electroacupuncture in treatment of Alzheimer's disease in rats is commonly 2-5 Hz (low frequency) and 50-100 Hz (high frequency). We established a rat model of Alzheimer's disease by injecting β-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42) into the bilateral hippocampal dentate gyrus to verify which frequency may be better suited in treatment. Electroacupuncture at 2 Hz or 50 Hz was used to stimulate Baihui (DU20) and Shenshu (BL23) acupoints. The water maze test and electrophysiological studies demonstrated that spatial memory ability was apparently improved, and the ranges of long-term potentiation and long-term depression were increased in Alzheimer's disease rats after electroacupuncture treatment. Moreover, the effects of electroacupuncture at 50 Hz were better than that at 2 Hz. These findings suggest that high-frequency electroacupuncture may enhance hippocampal synaptic transmission and potentially improve memory disorders in Alzheimer's disease rats.

Effect of 100 Hz electroacupuncture on salivary immunoglobulin A and the autonomic nervous system.

BackgroundA previous study has reported that low-frequency (LF) electroacupuncture (EA) influences salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is known to control the secretion volume of sIgA; however, the effect of high-frequency (HF) EA on salivary sIgA has not been determined. We investigated whether HF EA affects salivary sIgA levels and the ANS.MethodSixteen healthy subjects were randomly classified into two groups: a control group and an EA group. After a 5 min rest, subjects in the EA group received EA at 100 Hz bilaterally at LI4 and LI11 for 15 min before resting for a further 40 min post-stimulation. Subjects in the control group rested for a total of 60 min. Measurements of the ANS and sIgA levels in both groups were made before, immediately after, 20 min after, and 40 min after rest or 15 min EA treatment. HF and LF components of heart rate variability were analysed as markers of ANS function. LF/HF ratio and HF were taken as indices of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity, respectively. Salivary protein concentrations and sIgA levels were determined by Bradford protein assay and ELISA, respectively.ResultsLF/HF ratio was significantly increased immediately after EA. HF was significantly increased at 20 min after EA and sIgA level was significantly increased at 40 min after EA. In addition, HF and salivary sIgA level were positively correlated with each another.ConclusionsHF EA exerted sequential positive effects on sympathetic nerve activity, parasympathetic nerve activity, and salivary sIgA level (immediately and after 20 and 40 min, respectively). HF EA may increase salivary sIgA levels by influencing parasympathetic nerve activity.

The Effect of Low, High Frequency Electroacupuncture on Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double Blinded, Two Arm Trial

The Effect of Low, High Frequency Electroacupuncture on Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double Blinded, Two Arm Trial

An Evaluation of Electroacupuncture at the Weizhong Acupoint (BL-40) as a Means of Relieving Pain Induced by Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy.

Background. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the preferred option for urolithiasis treatment. However, intensities of pain may be induced and the sedative anesthetic or analgesics were usually needed. The aim of this study was to develop an improved acupuncture-assisted anesthesia approach in pain relief. Methods. We conducted a single-blind, randomized controlled study in China Medical University Hospital. Patients treated by ESWL due to upper urolithiasis were randomly divided into control group, sham-EA group, and 100 Hz EA group. The high frequency electroacupuncture (EA) was applied at the Weizhong acupoint (100 Hz EA group) for 20 minutes prior to the ESWL. In the sham-EA group, the same procedures were performed as those of 100 Hz EA group but no electric current was given to stimulate the acupoints. In the control group, no action was taken before operation. The information including the numbers and dosage of analgesic requirements, pain score, vital signs, and the satisfaction of procedure was collected. Results. A total of 74 subjects were recruited and we found that the interval to the first request analgesic, the number/total dosage of additional analgesic, recovery time from anesthesia, and the satisfaction were all better in both the 100 Hz EA and the sham-EA group. The 100 Hz EA also showed better relief of painful sensations by delaying the onset of pain. Conclusions. The 100 Hz EA and the sham-EA can effectively relieve pain due to ESWL as well as reducing the dosage of opium analgesic used.

Electroacupuncture at ST36 Ameliorates Gastric Emptying and Rescues Networks of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Stomach of Diabetic Rats

Depletion of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) is certified in the stomach of diabetic patients. Though electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 is an effective therapy to regulate gastric motility, the mechanisms of EA at ST36 on gastric emptying and networks of ICC remain to be elucidated. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of EA on gastric emptying and on the alterations of ICC networks. Rats were randomized into the control, diabetic rats (DM), diabetic rats with sham EA (DM+SEA), diabetic rats with low frequency EA (DM+LEA) and diabetic rats with high frequency EA groups (DM+HEA). The expression of c-kit in each layer of gastric wall was assessed by western blotting. The proliferation of ICC was identified by immunolabeling of c-kit and Ki67 as the apoptosis of ICC was examined by TUNEL staining. The results were as follows: (1) Gastric emptying was severely delayed in the DM group, but accelerated in the LEA and HEA group, especially in the LEA group. (2) The expression of c-kit in each layer was reduced apparently in the DM group, but also up-regulated in the LEA and HEA group. (3) Plentiful proliferated ICC (c-kit+/Ki67+) forming bushy networks with c-kit+ cells were observed in the LEA and HEA group, while the apoptotic cells (c-kit+/TUNEL+) were hardly captured in the LEA and HEA group. Collectively, low and high frequency EA at ST36 rescue the damaged networks of ICC by inhibiting the apoptosis and enhancing the proliferation in the stomach of diabetic rats, resulting in an improved gastric emptying.

Electroacupuncture at ST36 Increases Contraction of the Gastric Antrum and Improves the SCF/c-kit Pathway in Diabetic Rats

Electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 is effective for improving gastric motility. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EA on gastric contraction and to determine whether interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are involved. Rats were randomized into control, diabetic (DM), diabetic with sham EA (DM + SEA), diabetic with low frequency EA (DM + LEA) and diabetic with high frequency EA (DM + HEA) groups. EA was performed everyday for four and eight weeks. Contractions in antrum strips were explored using the organ bath technique. Western blotting was employed to determine c-kit and transmembrane stem cell factor (M-SCF) expression in the gastric antrum, and levels of soluble stem cell factor (S-SCF) in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The distribution of ICCs was further assessed by immunohistochemistry. The results were as follows: (1) Contractions in the DM group were attenuated at four and eight weeks, but LEA and HEA restored the attenuated contraction. (2) ICCs were significantly decreased at eight weeks without alteration at four weeks in DM group, but were rescued in the LEA and HEA groups. (3) Whereas M-SCF and S-SCF in the DM group were slightly decreased at four weeks and were dramatically reduced at eight weeks, LEA and HEA markedly enhanced SCF at eight weeks. Collectively, the data suggest that in diabetic rats, LEA and HEA at ST36 could facilitate contraction of the gastric antrum, possibly by involving the SCF/c-kit pathway.

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.