Electroacupuncture at the Renzhong (DU 26) and Neiguan (PC 6) acupoints repairs the DNA of nervous tissue supplied by the middle cerebral artery in rats

This study compares the changes of DNA repair in brain tissue dominated by the middle cerebral artery after electroacupuncture at the acupoints of Renzhong （DU 26）, Neiguan （PC 6）, Quchi （LI 11） and Zusanli （ST 36） in rats. In the apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease DNA basic group reparative excision experiments, the apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease activity of brain tissue increased slightly after electroacupuncture in rats. In the DNA polymerase β （Pol β）experiments, the Pol β ac-tivity of brain tissue increased after electroacupuncture, especially at DU 26 and PC 6. In the DNA ligase experiments, the expression of DNA ligase 1 in brain tissue increased significantly after electroacupuncture. These findings demonstrate increased activity of apurinic/apyrimidinic en-donuclease, Pol β and DNA ligase 1 after electroacupuncture at DU 26 and PC 6. Also, DNA repair in brain tissue supplied by the middle cerebral artery is promoted after electroacupuncture at DU 26 and PC 6, which are more effective than the LI 11 and ST 36 acupoints .

CLINICAL APPLICATION OF NEIGUAN (内关 PC 6) IN THE TREATMENT OF DISORDERS OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM——THE RELATED RESEARCH PROGRESS

In the present paper, the authors review recent situations of clinical application of Neiguan (PC 6内关), etc. in the treatment of disorders of the digestive system and its related research progresses. In clinical practice, Neiguan (PC 6) is usually selected as one of the main acupoints to treat gastrointestinal reactions induced by ① nausea and vomiting, ② hiccup, ③ gastrointestinal dyskinesia, ④ gastritis, and ⑤ intra-gastric examination, cesarean section, etc. Concerning experimental studies, the effects of Neiguan (PC 6), etc. on ① gastric electrical activities, ② gastrointestinal motion, ③ gastrointestinal hormone secretion, and ④ gastric mucosal structure were observed. Results indicated that Neiguan (PC 6) is an important and effective acupoint for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in clinic. Stimulation of Neiguan (PC 6) induced favorable regulation of both the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system, and changes of the gastrointestinal hormone secretion may contribute to its effects in treating various disorders.

内关穴注射维生素B_(6)联合穴位贴敷合治疗妊娠剧吐的效果观察

目的 探讨内关穴注射维生素B_(6)联合穴位贴敷合治疗妊娠剧吐的效果。方法 选取2022年1—10月在医院就诊的妊娠剧吐孕妇114例,按随机数字表法分为观察组与对照组,各57例。对照组给予常规妊娠呕吐干预;观察组在对照组基础上给予内关穴注射液维生素B_(6)及穴位贴敷,两组均连续干预7 d。比较两组干预前后妊娠-呕吐与恶心独特量表(PUQE)评分;比较两组干预7 d后剧吐改善情况;比较两组干预前后妊娠恶心呕吐生活质量量表(NVPQOL)评分。结果 干预后,两组PUQE评分均较干预前下降,观察组PUQE评分低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组呕吐次数及止吐时间均少于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组NVPQOL各项评分及总分均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 内关穴注射液维生素B_(6)联合穴位贴敷能够有效减轻孕妇妊娠剧吐症状,改善患者胃肠功能,提高生活质量,值得应用。

NEIGUAN(PC 6) BLOCKING FOR PREVENTING NAUSEA AND VOMITING CAUSED BY SUBARACHOID MORPHINE ANALGESIA

To find a simple and an inexpensive by method to reduce postoperative nausea and vom iting abbreviated to (PONV) caused subarachoid morphine analgesia. Methods: ninty-eight gyneeco logic patients who took 0. 5 mg morphine by subarahaid space to control postoperative pain, randomly divided into group Ⅰ (n = 50) whose bilateral Neiguan were blocked by 0. 25% bupivacaine 2 ml, group Ⅱ (n= 48), who were intravenously injected ondansetron 4 mg, preoperatively and postopera tively to prevent nausea and vomiting. The numbers of the patients experienced PONV were observed for 48 hrs after operation. Result: group i had 15 patients, group Ⅱ had 14 ones, who experienced ~ (P >0. 05 ), Conclusion: Neiguan blocking can effectively prevnt PONV caused by subara choid morphine anslgesia without side effects.

Effect of electroacupuncture at Neiguan(PC6)at different time points on myocardial ischemia reperfusion arrhythmia in rats

OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of electroacupuncture at Neiguan(PC6)at different time points on reperfusion arrhythmia(RA)after myocardial ischemia and reperfusion in rats,and to investigate the correlation of this protective effect with nerve growth factor(NGF),tyrosine kinase A(Trk A),tyrosine hydroxylase(TH),and norepinephrine(NE).METHODS:A total of 72 Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=12 rats/group):normal group(Norm),sham operation group(Sham),ischemia reperfusion group(I/R),pre-ischemic electroacupuncture group(EAI),pre-reperfusion electroacupuncture group(EAII),post-reperfusion electroacupuncture group(EAIII).The myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI)model was induced by occlusion of left anterior descending coronary artery for 20 min followed by reperfusion for 40 min in rats.With no intervention in the Norm group and only threading without ligation in the Sham group.Electroacupuncture pretreatment at 20 min/d for 7 d before ligation in the EAⅠgroup,20 min of electroacupuncture before reperfusion in the EAII group and 20 min of electroacupuncture after reperfusion in the EAIII group.The electrocardiogram(ECG)of each group was recorded throughout the whole process,and the success of the MIRI model was determined based on the changs of J-point and T-wave in the ECG.The arrhythmia score was used to record premature ventricular contractions,ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation during the reperfusion period to assess the reperfusion induced arrhythmias.The expression levels of NGF,Trk A,TH protein were measured by Western blot.Moreover,the expression levels of plasma and myocardial NE levels were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS:The differences between Norm group and Sham group were not statistically significant in all indexes.Arrhythmia score,myocardial NGF,Trk A,TH,and NE expression were significantly higher in the I/R group compared with the Sham group.Arrhythmia score,myocardial NGF,Trk A,TH,and NE expression were significantly lower in each EA group compared with the I/R group.CONCLUSION:Electroacupuncture at Neiguan(PC6)at different time points can reduce the incidence and severity of reperfusion arrhythmias in rats.This protective effect is related to electroacupuncture regulating NGF,Trk A,TH,NE expression and reducing sympathetic hyperactivation.

针刺右内关穴配合康复训练治疗孤独症谱系障碍患者言语障碍的临床研究

目的基于大脑偏侧化理论观察针刺右内关穴配合康复训练治疗孤独症谱系障碍(autism spectrum disorder,ASD)患者言语障碍的临床疗效。方法将114例ASD伴言语障碍患者随机分为A组、B组和C组,每组38例。A组采用针刺右内关穴配合康复训练治疗,B组采用偏侧化治疗配合康复训练治疗,C组仅采用康复训练治疗。观察3组治疗前后孤独症儿童行为量表(autism behavior checklist,ABC)、儿童孤独症评定量表(childhood autism rating scale,CARS)、孤独症治疗评估量表(autism treatment evaluation checklist,ATEC)评分及S-S语言发育迟缓检查法中语言理解功能和表达功能评分的变化情况。结果3组治疗后ABC、CARS、ATEC评分均较同组治疗前显著降低,语言理解功能和表达功能评分均显著升高,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。A组治疗后ABC评分明显低于C组,CARS、ATEC评分明显低于B组和C组,语言理解功能评分明显高于C组,表达功能评分明显高于B组和C组,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论针刺右内关穴配合康复训练治疗ASD患者言语障碍疗效确切。

内关穴醒脑开窍机制探析

内关为手厥阴心包经穴,有养血、调神、开窍之功,为醒脑开窍主穴。本文从内关与脑窍的联系、内关养血调神的角度探讨内关穴醒脑开窍的机制。内关通过心经连于目窍、舌窍,通过三焦经加强与耳窍的联系,与耳窍、目窍、舌窍的密切联系是其通脑窍的生理基础。内关属厥阴经穴,具备多血少气的特点;内关通于阴维脉,即阴维脉可通过内关调理津液、血液,故内关善滋阴养血。神的正常活动需以血液充盈为条件,故内关可通过调节阴血发挥养神、安神、调神的作用。现代临床中内关在心脑疾病中的应用也印证了如上机制。

内关穴和足三里穴位刺激对腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术麻醉及术后胃肠功能的影响

目的 观察内关穴和足三里穴位刺激对腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术麻醉及术后胃肠功能的影响。方法 以2021年1月—2022年6月医院进行腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术的患者126例作为研究对象,通过随机数表法分为两组,每组63例,对照组术后常规镇痛干预,观察组在对照组基础上进行内关穴和足三里穴位刺激,比较两组的麻醉术后恢复、胃肠功能及免疫功能情况和不良反应发生率,观察指标包括疼痛视觉模拟评分法(Visual Analogue Scale, VAS)、拉姆齐(Ramsay)镇静评分,胃肠反应分级,肠鸣音恢复时间、肛门排气时间、进食流质饮食时间、排便时间,外周血T淋巴细胞亚群(CD^(+)3、CD^(+)4、CD^(+)8)及自然杀伤细胞(natural killer cell, NK),不良反应。结果 术后24、48 h观察组VAS评分显著低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),Ramsay评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后48 h观察组胃肠反应分级显著优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组肠鸣音恢复时间、肛门排气时间、进食流质饮食时间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),观察组均短于对照组。术后5 d两组CD^(+)3、CD^(+)4、NK水平均显著升高,且观察组高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),但两组CD^(+)8变化不明显,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。观察组不良反应发生率为9.53%,对照组不良反应发生率为14.29%,组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 内关穴和足三里穴位刺激有利于腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术患者麻醉及术后恢复,镇痛、镇静效果良好,胃肠功能恢复更快,提高患者免疫功能,利于术后康复。

五行音乐联合穴位按摩在普通结肠镜检查的应用

目的探讨五行音乐联合穴位按摩在普通结肠镜检查中的应用效果。方法选取2022年6月—2022年9月于南昌大学第一附属医院待行结肠镜检查的患者120例,采用随机数字表法分为对照组和试验组,各60例。对照组进行普通肠镜常规护理,试验组在常规护理基础上予五行音乐联合穴位按摩护理干预。比较2组的心率及血压、进镜时长、视觉模拟评分(VAS)、医院焦虑抑郁量表(HAD-S)、满意度评分、改良格洛斯特舒适度评价指标(MGCS)。结果试验组进镜和退镜时的心率及血压、进镜时长、VAS评分、HAD-S评分和MGCS均低于对照组(P<0.05),满意度评分高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论五行音乐联合穴位按摩可平稳行普通结肠镜检查患者的心率及血压,缓解患者的疼痛及焦虑,缩短进镜时长及提升患者的舒适度及满意度。

针刺联合西药治疗心血瘀阻型胸痹的疗效观察及对血栓弹力图结果的影响

目的 观察针刺联合西药治疗心血瘀阻型胸痹的临床疗效及对血栓弹力图结果的影响。方法 选取心血瘀阻型胸痹患者共200例,随机分为对照组和试验组,每组100例。对照组给予常规西药治疗,试验组在对照组基础上针刺内关穴。采用超声心动图检测患者治疗前后的心功能指标,包括左心室射血分数(left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF)、左室舒张末期内径(left ventricular end diastolic diameter, LVEDD)和左室收缩末期内径(left ventricular end systolic diameter, LVESD);测定6 min步行距离评估运动耐力;采用血栓弹力图仪分析计算出患者治疗前后凝血活酶生成时间(R值)、凝血时间(K值)、凝固角(Angle值)、血栓最大弹力度(MA值),并比较两组临床疗效。结果 试验组总有效率为93.0%,高于对照组的82.0%(P<0.05)。两组治疗后LVEF显著增高,LVEDD和LVESD显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);试验组治疗后LVEF高于对照组,LVEDD和LVESD低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组治疗后6 min步行距离增高(P<0.05),试验组治疗后6 min步行距离高于对照组(P<0.05)。两组治疗后R值和K值升高,Angle值和MA值降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);试验组治疗后R值和K值高于对照组,Angle值和MA值低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 针刺联合西药治疗心血瘀阻型胸痹可以提高疗效,改善患者心功能,提高患者的运动耐力,改善心血瘀阻证胸痹患者血液的高凝状态,降低血栓形成的风险。

内关、太冲穴位埋线对自发性高血压前期大鼠心肌损伤和能量代谢的影响

目的:探讨内关、太冲穴位埋线对自发性高血压(SHR)前期大鼠心肌损伤和能量代谢的影响。方法:选择16只4周龄自发性高血压大鼠,随机分为埋线组与模型组(n=8),另取8只同龄的京都种Wistar(WKY)大鼠为对照组。埋线组大鼠定位内关、太冲并进行穴位埋线干预,模型组及对照组仅予以抓取固定干预,实验周期为2周。在干预前1 h及干预2、7、14 d后,测定各组大鼠收缩压(SBP)、舒张压(DBP)、平均动脉压(MAP)及心率(HR);并取心肌组织,采用HE染色比较各组大鼠左心室前壁心肌组织病理改变,电镜观察左心室前壁心肌组织线粒体的结构差异,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)试剂盒测定心肌组织血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)水平,三磷酸腺苷(ATP)检测试剂盒测定心肌组织中ATP水平。结果:干预2、7和14 d后,与模型组比较,埋线组大鼠DBP和MBP显著降低(P<0.01);干预7 d和14 d后,与模型组比较,埋线组大鼠SBP明显降低(P<0.01)。3组大鼠HR比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。模型组心肌细胞排列紊乱,心肌细胞横径和细胞间隙明显增大;与模型组比较,埋线组心肌细胞排列规则,心肌细胞横径明显减小(P<0.05),细胞间隙基本正常。在高倍透射电镜下,模型组线粒体排列紊乱,形状不规则,线粒体密度减小,埋线组较模型组有所改善。与模型组比较,埋线组左心室心肌组织中ATP水平升高,AngⅡ水平降低(P<0.05)。结论:内关、太冲穴位埋线可调节自发性高血压前期大鼠心肌能量代谢,对改善心肌损伤和降低血压水平有积极作用。

针刺内关穴治疗低脉压综合症106例临床观察

平均动脉压正常而脉压差降低，可以产生一系列临床表现，可谓之低脉压综合症。针刺双侧内关穴具有升高收缩压、降低舒张压、增大脉压差并消除相应的临床症状的作用，有效率在９２％以上。

Efficacy on rabbits with arrhythmia: needling acupoint of Neiguan(PC6) at shallow or deep depth, and retaining needles for 10, 20, or 30 min

OBJECTIVE:To compare the effects of Neiguan(PC6)acupuncture at different depths and retention time on arrhythmia duration,myocardial tissue morphology,mRNA expression level of L-type calcium channelα1C subunit and Ca^(2+)-Mg^(2+)-At Pase activity in tachirrhythmia model of rabbits.METHODS:The tachyarrhythmia model was made by intravenous injection of barium chloride into the ears of rabbits.A total of 56 healthy adult male New Zealand big-eared white rabbits,apply the random number table method,divided into normal control group(group A),model group(group B),shallow needling Neiguan(PC6)10 min group(group C),shallow needling Neiguan(PC6)20 min group(group D),shallow needling Neiguan(PC6)30 min group(group E),deep needling Neiguan(PC6)10 min group(group F),deep needling Neiguan(PC6)20 min group(group G),deep needling Neiguan(PC6)30 min group(group H),7 animals in each group.Electrocardiograms were used to collect the duration of arrhythmia;hematoxylin-eosin staining method was performed on myocardial tissue,RT-PCR tested the expression ofα1C subunit mRNA,and the activity of Ca^(2+)-Mg^(2+)-ATPase were quantified by phosphorus determination method.RESULTS:The duration of arrhythmia in each acupuncture treatment group was shortened to varying degrees.Compare to the model group,the tissue damage from barium chloride inducing was improved in the acupuncture group.Compared to the model group,except for group E,most treatment groups had varying degrees of improvement with significantly down-regulated L-type calcium channelα1C subunit mRNA expressions level and increased Ca^(2+)-Mg^(2+)-ATPase activity.CONCLUSIONS:The effect of acupuncture at Neiguan(PC6)with different depths and retention time can reduce the duration of arrhythmia induced by barium chloride relatively,improve the induced pathological changes,down regulate L-type calcium channelα1C subunit mRNA expressions level and increase Ca^(2+)-Mg^(2+)-ATPase activity.Both the shallow and deep tissues of Neiguan(PC6)may be involved in transmitting acupuncture information.There is an optimal induction period for shallow needling at Neiguan(PC6)to reach the best therapeutic effect.

Effect of electronic stimulation at Neiguan(PC 6) acupoint on gene expression of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel and protein kinases in rats with myocardial ischemia

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of electronic stimulation at acupoints Neiguan(PC 6) and Lieque(LU 7) on the gene expression of the adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-Sensitive potassium channel(KATP:Kir6.1,Kir6.2,SUR2 A,and SUR2B) and protein kinases(PKA,PKG,and PKCβ2) in myocardial cells of rats with myocardial ischemia(Ml) induced by isoproterenol(ISO).METHODS:Rats were randomly divided into a control,model,Neiguan(PC 6),Lieque(LU 7),and non-acupoint groups.The Ml model was established by injecting rats with ISO.Electro-acupuncture treatment was given to the acupuncture groups,once a day for 7 days.Gene expression was analyzed with real-time PCR.RESULTS:The gene expression of KATP and protein kinases in the model group was higher than those in the control group(P < 0.05).After acupuncture treatment,the KATP and protein kinase expression levels were significantly lower in the Neiguan(PC 6)and Lieque(LU 7) groups compared with the model group[P < 0.05).The Neiguan(PC 6) group lowered these levels significantly more than that of the Lieque(LU 7) group(P < 0.05).No significant differences were observed between the model and non-acupoint groups(P > 0.05).CONCLUSION:Our findings suggest that electronic needling of Neiguan(PC 6) can both reduce the gene expression of KATP and protein kinases in rats with ISO-induced Ml.

Clinical Application of Acupoint Neiguan (PC 6)

Acupoint Neiguan (PC 6) is first recorded in LingShu (Spritual Pivot). It is the Luo-Connecting pointof the Pericardium Meridian and communicateswith acupoint Waiguan (TE 15); it is also one ofeight confluent points, and associates with the YinLink Vessel. We often use Neiguan (PC 6) alone oras the cardinal acupoint to treat many disorders inclinical practice. It is now reported as follows.

Effect of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) on cardiac function using echocardiography in myocardial ischemia rats induced by isoproterenol

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of acupuncture at Neiguan(PC 6) on cardiac function using echocardiography in rat models of myocardial ischemia(MI) induced by isoproterenol(ISO).METHODS: Twenty-seven Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to normal, model, and acupuncture groups. The model and acupuncture groups were given injections of ISO(85 mg/kg) to establish the MI model. After model establishment,the acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at Neiguan(PC 6) for 30 min. Echocardiography was used to monitor diastolic and systolic function for 30 min starting from the time after the acupuncture needles were removed. Changes in the length of left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole(LVIDd), length of left ventricular internal diameter at end-systole(LVIDs), the ratio of mitral peak velocity at early diastole and atrial contraction(E/A), ejection fraction(EF), fractional shortening(FS), and stroke volume(SV) were measured.RESULTS: Compared with the model group at 0and 15 min after needles were removed, the means of LVIDd and LVIDs were significantly lower(P <0.01) and E/A, EF, FS, and SV significantly higher(P < 0.01) in the acupuncture group. In the acupuncture group, the means of LVIDd and LVIDs15 min after the needles were removed were significantly higher(P < 0.01) than those at 0 min. The means of E/A, EF, FS, and SV significantly decreased(P < 0.01) from 0 to 15 min in the acupuncture group.CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that acupuncture at Neiguan(PC 6) can affect cardiac function by increasing left ventricular diastolic and systolic function in MI rat models, but the effect only lasts for 15 min.

Effect of electroacpuncture of Neiguan(PC 6)and Tianquan(PC 2)on skin temperature,blood perfusion,and adrenoceptor response in rats with acute myocardial ischemia

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) of acupoints Neiguan(PC 6) and Tianquan(PC 2) on the skin temperature, blood perfusion, and alpha1-and beta2-adrenoreceptor(α1-AR and β2-AR) protein and m RNA level in rats with acute myocardial ischemia.METHODS: Thirty male adult Wistar rats [(230 ±20) g] were randomly assigned into five groups(n = 6 each): a control group, sham operation group, model group, model group treated with EA at low frequency(L-EA, 2 Hz, 1 m A) and model group treated with EA at high frequency(H-EA, 100 Hz, 1 m A). The rat model was prepared by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. Electroacupuncture was performed at the left Neiguan(PC 6) for 20 min daily for 3 d. After the 3 rd time of the treatment, measurements of skin blood perfusion and temperature in Neiguan(PC 6) and Tianquan(PC 2) in all groups were made by laser speckle contrast imaging and infrared thermal image instrument. Real-time PCR and ELISA were used to measure m RNA level and protein level of α1-AR andβ2-AR in the skin tissues of Neiguan(PC 6) and Tianquan(PC 2), respectively. Serum levels of c Tn T and electrocardiogram were used to identify the state of myocardium.RESULTS: In the group receiving electroacupunture at Neiguan(PC 6), compared with control group,the skin temperature, blood perfusion, and β2-AR m RNA and protein level of model group significantly decreased(P < 0.05), α1-AR m RNA and protein level of model group significantly increased(P < 0.05);compared with model group, the skin temperature,blood perfusion, and β2-AR m RNA and protein level of L-EA significantly increased(P < 0.05), α1-AR m RNA and protein level of L-EA and H-EA significantly decreased(P < 0.05). The same trend has taken place in the former four groups of the Tianquan(PC 2).CONCLUSION: Low-or high-frequency electroacupuncture can improve the skin temperature and blood perfusion which may be induced by decreasingthelevelofα1-ARandincreasingthelevelofβ2-AR of the Neiguan(PC 6) and Tianquan(PC 2) in the rat with acute myocaidial ischemia.

Effect of electroacupuncture at Neiguan(PC 6) and Baihui(GV 20) on CHOP and caspase-12 gene expressions in rats after ischemia-reperfusion injury

Objective： To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture （EA） at Neiguan （PC 6） and Baihui （GV 20） by observing the changes of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein（C/EBP） homologous protein （CHOP） and caspase-12 gene expressions in rats after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury （IRI）, and explore whether the apoptosis pathway of endoplasmic reticulum stress （ERS） is involved in the protective mechanisms of EA. Methods： Sixty rats were randomly assigned to five groups （12 in each group）： a normal control group （group A）, a sham-operation group （group B）, an operation group （group C）, an Edaravone group （group D） and an EA group （group E）. The cerebral IRI rat model was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO） using intraluminal monofilament. 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride （TTC） staining was adopted in the measurement of cerebral infarction volume. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） was used to determine the mRNA expressions of CHOP and caspase-12. Results： Compared with group A and group B, the volume of cerebral infarction and mRNA expressions of CHOP and caspase-12 in group C, group D and group E were increased, with statistical significances （P〈0.05 or P〈O.01）; compared with group C, the volume of cerebral infarction and mRNA expressions of CHOP and caspase-12 in group D and group E were decreased significantly （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）; there were no significant differences between group D and group E in comparing the above items （P〉0.05）. Conclusion： EA at Neiguan （PC 6） and Baihui （GV 20） can effectively suppress the volume of cerebral infarction. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism of EA at Neiguan （PC 6） and Baihui （GV 20） is possibly related to the down-regulation of CHOP and caspase-12 mRNA expressions, so as to decrease cell apoptosis.

Effect of transcutaneous electroacupuncture at Neiguan(PC 6) on refractory vomiting in patients in intensive care unit

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of transcutaneous electroacupuncture(TEA) at Neiguan(PC 6) on refractory vomiting in critically ill patients in intensive care(ICU) setting.METHODS: Ten patients admitted in ICU and presenting vomiting refractory to one or more antiemetic drugs were prospectively included in the study. TEA was applied at acupoint of Neiguan(PC6) during 30 min with a neuromuscular transmission monitor(single-twitch stimulation with 1 Hz at a constant current of 10 m A). Nausea and Vomiting were evaluated at the following intervals: immediately after 30 min of TEA at Neiguan(PC 6),30 min-6h and 6-24 h. The presence of nausea and/or vomiting throughout the observational period was defined as the primary end point.RESULTS: The presence of nausea or vomiting throughout the observational period was 10% at the end of TEA, 40% between 30 min and 6 h, and50% between 30 min and 24 h(P < 0.001, P = 0.01 and P = 0.03 vs pre-TEA, respectively). There were no complications or side effects related to TEA.CONCLUSION: TEA at Neiguan(PC 6) seems effective in reducing refractory vomiting in the patients in ICU setting, even if larger trials are needed to define optimal modalities.

Influence of acupuncture and moxibustion pretreatment at“Neiguan”( PC 6) on Connexin 43 in myocardial cell in rabbits of myocardial ischemia reperfusion

Objective To observe change of expression level of Connexin 43(Cx 43)in myocardial mitochondria of ischemia reperfusion injury after pretreatment of acupuncture and moxibustion at"Neiguan"(PC 6)in rabbits,and compare the different effect between electroacupuncture and moxibustion.Methods Thirty-two New Zealand big-eared white rabbits were randomly divided into a model group,an electroacupuncture group,a moxibustion group and a sham-operation group,8 cases in each one.The model