穴位局部Toll样受体4与针刺信息启动

Toll-like Receptor 4 in Regional Acupoints and Initiation of Acupuncture Signals

针刺是通过将针刺入穴位,调动机体固有的神经-内分泌-免疫网络而发挥效应的,但针刺作为一种物理性刺激,要实现对机体固有系统的调节,必须首先将物理性信号转化为生物性信号。Toll样受体4(TLR 4)作为一种重要的模式识别受体,不仅可以识别外源性的病原体相关分子模式,还可识别内源性的损伤相关分子模式,并且其与机体的神经、免疫系统有着密切的关系。笔者从TLR 4与针刺信号转换、针刺临床现象、相关针刺作用机制3个方面进行探讨,发现穴位局部的TLR 4可能参与针刺信息启动。

It has been well documented that acupuncture effect is produced through suitable manipulation stimulation of the inserted acupuncture needle, and subsequent activation of the body＇s inherent nerve-endocrine-immune regulating network. As a physical stimulus, the acupuncture stimulation exerted onto the local acupoint needs being converted into biological signal first, fur- ther reaching favorable regulation in the body. Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR 4）, an important molecular pattern recognition receptor, can not only recognize the exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns but also identify endogenous damage-associated mo- lecular patterns, leading to activation of innate immunity. What＇s more, TLR 4 has a close relationship with nervous and immune system of the body. In the present paper, the authors make a discussion on the correlation between TLR 4 and acupuncture inter- vention from 1） TLR 4 and acupuncture signal conversion, 2） TLR 4 and acupuncture clinical phenomenon, and 3） TLR 4 and rela- ted mechanisms of acupuncture intervention. Moreover, the authors also think that TLR 4 in the acupoint area may participate in the initiation process of acupuncture stimulation information.