RELATIONSHIP OF ACUPOINTS AND MERIDIANS TO CONNEXIN 43

穴位、经脉与Cx43的相关性研究(英文)

Objective To explore the relationship between connexin 43 and acupoints and meridians. Methods we detected one major skin gap junction connexin （connexin43, Cx43） in meridians and acupoints, and studied the expression of Cx43 in Zusanli （足三里 ST 36） acupoints compared with control non-acupoint regions in rats after acupuncture treatments. The expression of Cx43 was detected by using immunohisto- chemistry, immunoblotting, and RT-PCR for Cx43 protein and mRNA level. Results The results showed much more abundant Cx43 expression in some cells in the skin and subcutaneous tissue of rat at ST 36 acupoints and bladder and kidney meridians than that of in the controls. The mRNA and protein levels of Cx43 in acupoints were significantly higher than those of in the control points in non-acupuncture groups and even more so after acupuncture treatments. Conclusion Our research implied that connexins and gap junctions could have a close relationship to acupoints and meridians, and gap junctional intercellular communication might play an important role in the effect of acupuncture.

目的:探讨穴位、经脉与Cx43的相关性。方法:运用免疫组化、免疫印迹、RT-PCR检测组成皮肤缝隙链接的主要缝隙连接蛋白之一Cx43在大鼠针刺穴位和经脉上的表达,以及针刺对足三里Cx43表达的影响。结果:与对照组相比,大鼠足三里、膀胱经和肾经上皮肤和皮下组织一些细胞中存在更为丰富的Cx43表达,针刺后穴位与非穴位点之间的差别更明显。结论:本研究表明缝隙连接蛋白、缝隙连接与穴位、经脉存在着密切联系,缝隙连接通讯可能在针刺效应中起着非常重要的作用。