动物针灸治疗机制研究的新进展——基于“远细胞是潜在经络实质细胞”的新观点

Current advances in investigation of mechanism of animal acupuncture:based on the viewpoint of“telocyte is the potential essence cell of the meridian”

经络学说是针灸治疗的理论基础,而针灸疗效又是经络学说的实践验证。关于经络实质与针灸机制的研究,大多都是建立在现有已知结构(如神经、血管、筋膜、肥大细胞、免疫等)的基础之上,取得的突破有限。新近提出的“远细胞是潜在经络实质细胞”观点为经络结构的探寻提供了一个新角度,但需要针灸治疗的验证。本文就针刺激活远细胞联络通讯、远细胞介导针灸治疗、穴位TC广泛联系性与中医“整体观”关联以及远细胞与针刺“得气”和循经感传关系的研究现状进行了综述和分析。针刺动作必然引起远细胞的联动机制,有利于针体-细胞的衔接,并可转变为生物信号而启动下游传递,从而调节靶脏器功能,达到治疗目的。这些研究进展,能够从新角度诠释针灸的细胞机制,并能用疗效验证“远细胞是潜在经络实质细胞”观点。

Meridian is theoretical foundation for acupuncture treatment according the traditional medicine,and the acupuncture effect can practically verify the meridian doctrine.As to studies on acupuncture mechanism and meridian essence,most of them have been based on the known structures(e.g.nerves,vascula,fascia,mast cells,and immunocytes),which has resulted limited precise conclusion.Is there a new element associated with the acupuncture mechanism?A novel perspective,“Telocyte(TC)is the potential cell type of meridian essence”provides a new angle for the discovery of the acupuncture principle.Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine are derived from the same origin,while the former has more advantages concerning the mechanism studies in vivo.As a result,animal experiments should be conducted first.This paper summarizes current progresses in TC communications activated by acupuncture,TC mediated acupunctural treatment,relationship between extensive connectivity of TCs and the“Holistic view”in traditional Chinese medicine,and the relevance of TCs to acupuncture“Deqi”or Propagated Sensations along Meridian.The mechanical stimulation of acupuncture inevitably triggers the linkage between the needle and TC,which can transform the mechanical signals into biological signals and then trigger downstream transmission.These novel reports might interpret the cellular mechanism of acupuncture in a new perspective,which can conversely validate the viewpoint“Telocyte is the potential cell type of meridian essence”.