Zusanli Point Research Articles

Effect of moxibustion on IL-1β and IL-2 in rat models of rheumatoid arthritis

Objective To observe the influence on IL-1β and IL-2 in rat models with rheumatoid arthritis after moxibustion on Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) points, and to discuss the mechanism of moxibustion.

Effects of transcutaneous electrical acu-stimulation in patients with functional dyspepsia: authors’ reply

Sirs, Thanks for the contributions and comments of Beyazit et al.1 for our study in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.2 Acupuncture may have a role in treating patients with functional dyspepsia because there are several lines of evidence demonstrating beneficial roles of acupuncture by altering acid secretion, gastrointestinal (GI) motility and visceral pain.3, 4 However, despite a number of positive studies, there is a lack of well-designed and controlled studies to draw any conclusion. Hence, we look for the results of future well-designed studies to determine the efficacy of acupuncture in functional GI disorders. The most commonly used acupuncture points in treating GI symptoms are the Zusanli point of the lower limb (stomach-36; ST-36) and the Neiguan point at the wrist (pericardium-6; PC-6).4 Although bladder meridian (Bl 18-21), stated by Beyazit et al., corresponds to upper abdominal organs including gall bladder, kidneys, spleen and stomach for acupuncture, almost all studies regarding the role of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia have been performed using ST-36 and PC-6 rather than abdomen or paravertebral areas. Acupuncture on the abdomen (CV-12) has been used to treat patients with abdominal pain, suggesting that acupuncture at CV-12 may inhibit GI motility and/or reduce spasm of GI muscles. Further studies comparing the different acupuncture localizations for functional dyspepsia are definitely needed. Finally, the paravertebral area where we applied the vacuum interferential current in our study might, of course, match acupuncture locations as acupoints are most probably distributed along the nerve dermatomes. Declaration of personal and funding interests: None.

Nonlinear characteristics extraction from electrical signals of dorsal spinal nerve root evoked by acupuncture at Zusanli point

Neural system generates various kinds of fire patterns when stimulated by external or internal inputs. Acupuncture, as a mechanical action, is equivalent to an external stimulus to the neural system. When stimulated by the acupuncture, the neural system can evoke irregular electrical signals. Neural system is a complex nonlinear dynamic system that possesses strong nonlinear characteristic, so it is necessary to introduce the nonlinear time series analysis method to study the neural electrical signal. In this paper, an experiment is designed in which acupuncture is made at Zusanli with four different acupuncture manipulations to obtain action potentials on dorsal spinal nerve root. The concept of the interspike interval (ISI) is used for the study of the acupuncture electrical signals. Several nonlinear characteristic parameters are extracted, such as the Lyapunov exponent, correlation dimension and Lempel-Ziv complexity, and the neural coding of the electrical signal evoked by different acupuncture manipulations is obtained. It is also shown that under the effect of the acupuncture, the electrical signals of dorsal spinal nerve root based on acupuncture at Zusanli point has distinguished chaotic features.

Nano-2D-LC analysis of proteomic alterations in rats with gastric stress ulcer after acupuncture at He-Sea point and Front-Mu point of the stomach meridian

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at He-Sea point and Front-Mu point of the stomach meridian on gastric stress ulcer (SU) in rats and to explore potential mechanisms involved. METHODS: Thirty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: blank control group, model group, He-Sea point (Zusanli) group, Front-Mu point (Zhongwan) group, and He-Sea and Front-Mu point (He-Mu) group. Gastric SU was induced in rats by water immersion and restraint. Proteomic alterations in the stomach of rats were analyzed by nano-twodimensional liquid chromatography (nano-2DLC). RESULTS: Five chromatographic peaks at a retention time between 27 and 32 min were noted on the chromatograms in the model group and acupuncture treatment groups. The retention time of these five peaks was basically identical. The peak area was largest in the model group, followed by the Front-Mu point group, He-Sea point group and He-Mu group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at He-Sea point and Front-Mu point exerts a therapeutic effect on SU possibly by altering the expression of some proteins.

The effects of electro-acupuncturing at Zusanli point on intestinal proinflammatory factors, diamine oxidase and tissue water content in rats with sepsis

To investigate the protective effect of electro-acupuncturing (EA) at Zusanli point on sepsis induced ischemic and oxygen free radical intestinal injury in rats with sepsis. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were used to reproduce sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and they were randomly divided into four groups (each n=8): CLP+EA (CLP/EA), CLP+sham EA (CLP/SEA), vagotomy+CLP+SEA (VA/CLP/SEA) and vagotomy+CLP+EA (VA/CLP/EA). Zusanli point was electro-acupunctured with constant voltage (2-100 Hz,2 mA for 30 minutes) immediately after CLP surgery. Abdominal vagotomy was performed in rats in VA/CL/SEA and VA/CLP/SEA groups. Six hours after CLP, the mucosal blood flow of jejunum (JMBF) was measured. Animals were sacrificed after 6 hours and specimens of jejunum were harvested for evaluation of malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase (XOD), diamine oxidase (DAO) and assessment of the water content (WCR). JMBF and the activity of DAO of CLP/EA group were markedly higher, and the levels of XOD, MDA and WCR in jejunal tissue were obviously lower than those of CLP/SEA group (all P<0.05). The levels of JMBF and DAO of the VA/CLP/SEA group and VA/CLP/EA group were significantly lower, and XOD, MDA and WCR obviously higher than those of the CLP/EA group ( all P<0.05 ). There were no statistically differences in all above measurements between the VA/CLP/EA group and the VA/CLP/SEA group (all P>0.05). The results indicate that EA at Zusanli point obviously increased JMBF and DAO, and alleviated tissue edema and insult of intestinal mucosa. Vagotomy could weaken or eliminate the effects of EA. It is suggested that cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is one of the main mechanisms of intestinal protective effect of EA at Zusanli point.

Effects of electro-acupuncture at Zusanli point on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, the activity of diamine oxidase and the rate of water content in the small intestine in rats with sepsis

Effects of electro-acupuncture at Zusanli point on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, the activity of diamine oxidase and the rate of water content in the small intestine in rats with sepsis

Effect of electro-acupuncture at Zusanli points on gastric emptying and plasma contents of NO and MTL during oral fluid resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock in rats with blood volume loss

Effect of electro-acupuncture at Zusanli points on gastric emptying and plasma contents of NO and MTL during oral fluid resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock in rats with blood volume loss

Research on the relationship between spinal ways and the effect of point Zusanli (ST 36)

Objective The integrity of the corresponding dorsal root is important in the research of the effects of acupuncture Zusanli (ST 36) on gastric smooth muscle. Investigate the communicate channels of central control on the effect of acupuncture Zusanli (ST 36).

A Single-Blinded, Randomized Pilot Study Evaluating Effects of Electroacupuncture in Diabetic Patients with Symptoms Suggestive of Gastroparesis

The current pharmacological management of diabetic gastroparesis remains difficult. Acupuncture has been widely used for gastrointestinal symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on solid gastric emptying time, serum gastrin, motilin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), fasting and postprandial blood glucose, and symptoms in patients with diabetic gastroparesis. EA at the Zusanli (ST 36) and Hegu (LI 4) points and sham EA as control were administered by an experienced and licensed acupuncturist. This was a pilot study with a randomized, single-blinded design. Nineteen (19) patients with type 2 diabetes who had had symptoms of gastroparesis for more than 3 months were included in the trial and randomized into two groups. Each group received EA (n = 9) or sham EA (n = 10) consisting of 4 sessions over 2 weeks. Symptom severity was evaluated using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) at baseline, at the end of treatment, and 2 weeks after the end of the trial; solid-phase gastric half-emptying time was measured by scintigraphy; in addition, serum gastrin, motilin, PP, fasting, and postprandial blood glucose levels were also measured. Gastric half-emptying time in 9 patients with diabetic gastroparesis was significantly shortened by EA treatment (143.8 +/- 55.9 minutes versus 98.8 +/- 28.6 minutes, p < 0.03). Half-emptying time did not change (98.9 +/- 26.4 minutes versus 90.9 +/- 24.8 minutes, p > 0.05) in the sham EA group. Symptom severity, as measured by GCSI total score, improved significantly both at the end of treatment (2.38 +/- 0.56 versus 1.48 +/- 0.19, p < 0.001) and 2 weeks after the end of the trial (2.38 +/- 0.56 versus 1.65 +/- 0.44, p < 0.01) when compared with the baseline in the EA group, but did not change from baseline with sham EA treatment. There were no significant changes in fasting and postprandial blood glucose, serum gastrin, motilin, and PP in both groups. No significant adverse events occurred. This study demonstrates that short-term EA at the Zusanli and Hegu points effectively reduces the dyspeptic symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis and accelerates solid gastric emptying. Sustained improvement in dyspeptic symptoms was observed at 2 weeks after the end of the trial. Its potential for treating gastroparesis may be explored, and a larger trial is required to draw definitive conclusions.

Observation on point injection and Chinese manipulation and Qi Gong therapy to cure retention of urine in the postoperative orthopedics patients

Objective To explore the clinical effectiveness of point injection and Chinese manipulationand Qi Gong therapy to cure retention of urine in the postoperative orthopedics patients.Methods Two groups were divided randomly and 48 cases in each group.In experimental group, Neostigmine 0.5mg on Zusanli point and 0.5mg on Zhongji point were injected respectively in the healthy limb, at the same time Chinese manipulation and Qi Gong therapy were used to massage the bladder.While, in the control group traditional ways were used for them.Results In the experimental group, the effective eatio was 95.8% while the control group is 66.7%.The curative effect in the experimental group was significant better than that of control group compared with the time of uresis in 10～30 min after surgery (P<0.01).conclusions It is a more effective way to use point injection and Chinese manipulation andQi Gong therapy to cure retention of urine in the postoperative orthopedics patients. Key words: Retention of urine; Postoperative orthopedics; Point injection; Chinese manipulation and Qi Gong therapy

Forty Cases of Gastrointestinal Neurosis Treated by Acupunture

To compare the therapeutic effect of acupuncture for gastrointestinal neurosis with that of oral remedy. Eighty cases were randomly divided into the following 2 groups. In the treatment group, acupuncture was given for one month at the main points of Zhongwan (CV 12), Zusanli (ST 36), Taichong (LR 3) and Shenmen (HT 7), with the auxiliary points selected according to TCM differentiation. In the control group, Domperidone was orally administered for one month. The total effective rate was 92.5% in the treatment group and 75.0% in the control group, with a significant difference between the 2 groups (chi2 = 4.423, P < 0.05). Acupuncture was superior to the oral remedy in therapeutic effects. Acupuncture may show better results for gastrointestinal neurosis and with less toxic side effects.

Interventional effect of electroacupuncture combined with medicine on monoamine neurotransmitters in hypothalamus of rats with ulcerative colitis

Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is conventionally treated with sulfasalazine and other aminosalicylic acids. The symptoms of UC can be rapidly controlled, but high recurrence, severe adverse reactions and other shortages exist commonly. Whether electroacupuncture combined with medicine can make up these shortages remains unclear. Objective This study was to observe the regulatory effect of electroacupuncture combined with medicine on monoamine neurotransmitter in hypothalamus of rats with ulcerative colitis, and to analyze the pathogenesis of UC and the action pathway of electroacupuncture combined with medicine. Design A randomized controlled observation. Setting Shanghai Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian. Materials Thirty involved male SD rats of clean grade, weighing (200±20)g, were provided by the Experimental Animal Center, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Sulfasalazine was produced in the Shanghai Sanwei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd [certification No. (1995)002083]. Methods This study was carried out in the State Laboratory (grade 3) for Acupuncture and Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian. The involved 30 rats were randomized into 5 groups: normal group, model group, electroacupuncture group, medicine group and electroacupuncture combined with medicine group, with 6 rats in each group. Rats in the latter 4 groups were prepared into models of UC. In the electroacupuncture group, Zusanli (shuang) point was selected. Electro-acupuncture apparatus (G6805 II type) was connected to the point and used to stimulate it with continuous wave, frequency of 2 Hz, electrical intensity 4 mA, 20 minutes a day, for 14 days successively. In the medicine group, rats were intragastrically administrated with sulfasalazine, twice a day, 3 mL once, for 14 days successively. In the electroacupuncture combined with medicine group, rats were treated with electroacupuncture and medicine simultaneously as described in the previous two groups. Rats in the model group and normal control group were untouched except for being fixed. Main outcome measures The levels of noradrenaline acid tartrate (NE), 3-methoxy-4 hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), dopamine hydrochloride (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) hydrochloride, homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) of rats in each group were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-electrochemical method. Results All the 30 involved rats entered into the stage of final analysis. ▪Detection of NE and MHPG levels: After treatment, NE level in the hypothalamus of rats was significantly higher in the electroacupuncture combined with medicine group, electroacupuncture group and medicine group was all significantly higher than that in the model group, respectively ( P < 0.01). After treatment, MHPG level in the metabolite of NE was very significantly higher in the electroacupuncture group than in the medicine group ( P < 0.01). ▪Detection of DA and DOPAC levels: After treatment, DA level in the hypothalamus of rats was very significantly higher in the medicine group than in the model group ( P < 0.01). ▪Detection of 5-HT, HVA and 5-HIAA levels: After treatment, 5-HIAA level in the hypothalamus of rats was significantly higher in the medicine group than in the model group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion The abnormal synthesis and metabolism of monoamine neurotransmitter in the central nervous system is one of pathogenesis of UC. Electroacupuncture combined with medicine might reach its goal of treatment by regulating the monoamine neurotransmitter disorder in the hypothalamus of rats with UC.

Effects and probable mechanisms of electroacupuncture at the Zusanli point on upper gastrointestinal motility in rabbits

The purposes of this study were to investigate the regulative effect of acupuncture on gastrointestinal motility in rabbits and to explore the probable mechanism of electroacupuncture. The experiment was performed on 30 rabbits implanted with three pairs of electrodes, which were equally divided into three groups: the control group, the Zusanli group, and the non-acupuncture point group. The gastrointestinal myoelectrical activity of each conscious rabbit was recorded when acupuncture was applied. Motilin in plasma, cholecystokinin (CCK) in serum, the activity of acetylcholine esterase, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and the vesicle of nerve endings in the stomach tissue and jejunum were investigated. It was found that electroacupuncture did not exert much influence on the slow wave of gastrointestinal myoelectrical activity, but significantly increased the number and amplitude of spikes. In the Zusanli group, the concentration of motilin and CCK was much higher at the post-acupuncture stage than at the pre-acupuncture stage. Electroacupuncture significantly enhanced the activity of acetylcholine esterase. Moreover, we found out that in the Zusanli group, the number of vesicles without granula was significantly fewer than in the control group. The activity of NOS was less in the Zusanli group than in the control group. Acupuncture may enhance the gastrointestinal myoelectrical activity of conscious rabbits. The cholinergic nerve, nitric oxide, motilin, and CCK may contribute to acupuncture mechanisms.

Acupuncture for Blood Pressure Lowering

Blood pressure–related disease remains a major public health problem in developed and developing countries alike. The Global Burden of Disease study estimates 62% of stroke, 49% of ischemic heart disease, and 14% of other cardiovascular disease can be attributable to mean systolic blood pressure levels >115 mm Hg worldwide.1 The mainstay of medical management of hypertension is a number of commonly used drugs,2 the mechanisms of action of which are well understood and grounded in conventional science. However, despite the strength of evidence supporting the efficacy of these agents and their wide endorsement in national and international guidelines, only about one half of those patients in whom treatment is indicated are compliant with drug therapy. Treatment cost, adverse effects, and complexity are commonly cited barriers to patient adherence,3,4 and such factors undoubtedly play an important role in the growing interest in alternative therapies for blood pressure control. Article p 3121 Acupuncture, one of the oldest and most commonly used forms of alternative medicine, has existed for >2500 years. In traditional acupuncture, fine needles are inserted into precisely defined, specific points on the body, each of which has distinct therapeutic actions.5 For a long time, acupuncture was viewed by practitioners of Western medicine as “the Chinese equivalent of voodoo,”6 but certain events encouraged wider acceptance of this form of treatment beginning in the 1970s. One such event is said to have been President Richard Nixon’s goodwill visit to China in 1972 during which he saw acupuncture in practice. His personal physician subsequently wrote, “I have seen acupuncture work.” This statement not only increased public interest but also encouraged key figures in the medical community to travel to China to develop a …

Clinical effects of moxibustion at zusanli point combined with infrared rag light shine on the postoperative urinary retention by hemorrhoid operation

目的 探讨艾灸足三里联合神灯照射治疗痔疮术后尿潴留的效果.方法 将150例痔疮术后尿潴留的患者随机分成实验组和对照组各75例.实验组采用艾灸足三里联合神灯照射患者小腹部的方法解除尿潴留;对照组采用传统诱导法如改变体位、流水声诱导及局部热敷解除尿潴留.比较2组患者尿潴留的改善状况.结果 实验组显效44例,有效26例,总有效率94%;对照组显效17例,有效23例,总有效率53%.2组比较差异有统计学意义,χ2=31.7,P＜0.01.结论 艾灸足三里联合神灯照射小腹部是解除痔疮术后尿潴留的安全有效的护理措施。

Association of high expression in rat gastric mucosal heat shock protein 70 induced by moxibustion pretreatment with protection against stress injury

To study the effect of moxibustion on Zusanli or Liangmeng point on gastric mucosa injury in stress-induced ulcer rats and its correlation with the expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Sixty healthy SD rats (30 males, 30 females) were divided into control group, injury model group, Zushanli point group, Liangmeng point group. Stress gastric ulcer model was induced by binding cold stress method. Gastric mucosa ulcer injury (UI) index was calculated by Guth method. Gastric mucosa blood flow (GMBF) was recorded with a biological signal analyzer. Protein content and gene expression in gastric mucosal HSP70 were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Thiobarbital method was used to determine malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Gastric mucosal endothelin (ET) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) were analyzed by radioimmunoassay. High gastric mucosal UI index, high HSP70 expression, low GMBF and PGF(2), elevated MDA and ET were observed in gastric mucosa of rats subjected to cold stress. Moxibustion on Zusanli or Liangmeng point decreased rat gastric mucosal UI index, MDA and ET. Conversely, the expression of HSP70, GMBF, and PGE(2) was elevated in gastric mucosa after pretreatment with moxibustion on Zusanli or Liangmeng point. The observed parameters were significantly different between Zusanli and Liangmeng points. Pretreatment with moxibustion on Zusanli or Liangmeng point protects gastric mucosa against stress injury. This protection is associated with the higher expression of HSP70 mRNA and protein, leading to release of PGE(2) and inhibition of MDA and ET, impairment of gastric mucosal index.

Effect of pre-moxibustion on apoptosis and proliferation of gastric mucosa cells

To observe the effects of pre-moxibustion on apoptosis and proliferation of gastric mucosal cell in rats with stress-induced ulcer, and to analyze the relationship between those effects and the expression of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70). Sixty healthy Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups, namely group A, B, C and D. The animal model of stress ulcer was established by water immersion and restraint stress. The rats in group A, B, and D served as the restraint, model, and non-acupoint controls, respectively, while those in group C received moxibustion at Zusanli and Liangmen points. Immunohistochemical methodology was used to detect the expression of HSP70, apoptosis index (AI, multiply 10(-6)/microm(2)) and proliferation index (PCNA-LI, multiply 10(-6)/microm(2)). The mucosal expression of transforming growth factor alpha(TGF-alpha) was detected by radioimmunoassay. Moxibustion at Zusanli and Liangmen points significantly decreased the gastric injury and the apoptosis of gastric mucosal cells, while markedly increased the mucosal expression of TGF-alpha and HSP70 as well as the proliferation of gastric mucosal cells. Compared with group A, ulcer index (UI) (26.8 +/- 9.8 vs 12.0 +/- 5.9, P < 0.01), AI (9.6 +/- 4.2 vs 4.4 +/- 2.6, P < 0.05) and expression of HSP70 (9.6 +/- 4.2 vs 4.4 +/- 2.6, P < 0.05) were significantly increased, but the content of TGF-alpha (104.7 +/- 51.2 pg/mL vs 254.0 +/- 86.9 pg/mL, P < 0.01) and PCNA-LI (6.9 +/- 4.7 vs 14.9 +/- 4.6, P < 0.05) were significantly decreased in group B. However, ulcer index values (UI) and AI were obviously lower in group C compared to groups B and D (14.1 +/- 5.4 vs 26.8 +/- 9.8 and 26.2 +/- 7.7, P < 0.01; 3.0 +/- 1.6 vs 9.6 +/- 4.2 and 8.2 +/- 5.2, P < 0.05, respectively), but content of TGF-alpha (237.0 +/- 72.6 pg/mL vs 104.7 +/- 51.2 pg/mL and 154.1 +/- 61.3 pg/mL, P < 0.01) and expression of HSP70 (0.13 +/- 0.03 vs 0.08 +/- 0.06 and 0.06 +/- 0.04, P < 0.05) were higher in group C. Furthermore, the PCNA-LI was significantly higher in group C than in group B (21.6 +/- 4.1 vs 6.9 +/- 4.7, P < 0.01). Moxibustion at Zusanli and Liangmen points has a protective effect on rats gastric mucosa in stress-induced gastric ulcer, which is closely related to its actions in promoting synthesis of TGF-alpha and proliferation of gastric mucosal cells, suppressing gastric mucosal cell apoptosis, and up-regulating HSP70 expression.

Effect of acupuncture at Foot-Yangming Meridian on gastric mucosal blood flow, gastric motility and brain-gut peptide

To observe the effect of acupuncture at Foot-Yangming Meridian on gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF), gastric motility and brain-gut peptide. Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal control group, model group (group with gastric mucosal damage, GMD), Sibai group (with acupuncture at Sibai point + GMD), Tianshu group (with acupuncture at Tianshu point + GMD), Zusanli group (with acupuncture at Zusanli point + GMD) and non-acupoint group (with acupuncture at non-acupoint + GMD). The GMD model group was induced by infusing pure alcohol into gastric cavity. H(2) Gas Clearance Test (HGCT) was used to measure GMBF, the frequency and amplitude of gastric motility were measured by the method of aerocyst, the content of brain-gut peptide in sinus ventriculi and bulbus medullae were detected by radioimmunoassay. Inhibitory effect of the frequency and amplitude of gastric motility were shown in model group, and the rates of frequency and amplitude changes were remarkably different from the normal control group (-19.41 +/- 17.21 vs -4.71 +/- 10.32, P < 0.05; -51.61 +/- 29.02 vs 1.81 +/- 14.12, P < 0.01). In comparison with control group, the GMBF was 0.52 +/- 0.161 mL vs 1.03 +/- 0.255 mL per 100g tissue/min, P < 0.01, the content of motilin in sinus ventriculi and bulbus medullae was 63.04 +/- 7.77 pg/mL vs 72.91 +/- 8.42 pg/mL, P < 0.05 and 50.96 +/- 8.77 pg/mL vs 60.76 +/- 8.05 pg/mL, P < 0.05, but the content of somatostatin in sinus ventriculi and bulbus medullae was 179.85 +/- 43.13 ng/g vs 90.54 +/- 40.42 ng/g, P < 0.01 and 532.86 +/- 122.58 ng/g vs 370.91 +/- 76.29 ng/g, P < 0.05,respectively. In comparison with model group, the amplitude of gastric motility was 1.52 +/- 20.13, -6.52 +/- 23.31, 6.92 +/- 25.21 vs -51.61 +/- 29.02, P < 0.01 and GMBF was 0.694 +/- 0.160 mL vs 0.893 +/- 0.210 mL, 1.038 +/- 0.301 mL vs 0.52 +/- 0.161 mL per 100g tissue/min, P < 0.01, respectively in Tianshu, Sibai and Zusanli groups, the content of motilin in sinus ventriculi and bulbus medullae was 71.64 +/- 9.35 pg/mL vs 63.04 +/- 7.77 pg/mL, P < 0.05; 58.96 +/- 6.69 pg/mL vs 50.96 +/- 8.77 pg/mL, P < 0.05 in Zusanli group and 72.84 +/- 8.62 pg/mL vs 63.04 +/- 7.77 pg/mL, P < 0.05 in Sibai group, while the content of somatostatin in bulbus medullae in Tianshu, Sibai and Zusanli groups was 480.62 +/- 151.69 ng/g, 388.53 +/- 155.04 ng/g, 365.76 +/- 143.93 ng/g vs 532.86 +/- 122.58 ng/g, P < 0.05, respectively. Electro-acupuncture at acupoints of Foot-Yangming Meridian could enhance the gastric motility, improve GMBF, and regulate the content of motilin and somatostatin in sinus ventriculi and bulbus. The effects of acupuncture on GMBF and gastric motility may be related to the content of brain-gut peptide.

The Analgesic Effects of Capsicum Plaster at the Zusanli Point After Abdominal Hysterectomy

Acupuncture has been used to supplement opioid analgesics for postoperative pain control. We designed this double-blind, sham-controlled study to assess the effectiveness of capsicum plaster (PAS) at Zusanli (ST-36) acupoints on postoperative opioid analgesic requirement, side effects, and recovery profile. Ninety women undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy were randomly assigned to 3 treatment regimens (n = 30 each): group Zusanli = PAS at Zusanli acupoints, group sham = PAS at the nonacupoints on the shoulders, and group control = placebo tape at Zusanli acupoints. The PAS was applied before induction of anesthesia and maintained for 8 h per day for 3 postoperative days. The total amount of morphine administered in the first 24 h after the operation was significantly decreased in group Zusanli (31.5 +/- 6.8 mL) compared with groups control (44.3 +/- 10.1 mL) and sham (44.6 +/- 10.4 mL) (P < 0.01). The incidence of postoperative side effects and the use of rescue antiemetics during the 72 h after surgery were significantly reduced in group Zusanli compared with other groups (P < 0.01). PAS at Zusanli points decreased the postoperative opioid requirement and opioid-related side effects of patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy.

Spike trains in Hodgkin–Huxley model and ISIs of acupuncture manipulations

The Hodgkin–Huxley equations (HH) are parameterized by a number of parameters and shows a variety of qualitatively different behaviors depending on the parameter values. Under stimulation of an external periodic voltage, the ISIs (interspike intervals) of a HH model are investigated in this work, while the frequency of the voltage is taken as the controlling parameter. As well-known, the science of acupuncture and moxibustion is an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a long history. Although there are a number of different acupuncture manipulations, the method for distinguishing them is rarely investigated. With the idea of ISI, we study the electrical signal time series at the spinal dorsal horn produced by three different acupuncture manipulations in Zusanli point and present an effective way to distinguish them.