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.

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.

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.

Influence of Different Acupuncture Method on Points Transcutaneous CO_2 Emission

Objective： To observe the influence of transcutaneous CO2 emission （TCE） at points on the meridian or beside the meridian after different stimulations like acupuncture De-qi, sham acupuncture, study the correlation between acupuncture De-qi and local energy metabolism through TCE. Methods： Twenty healthy volunteers （male 8, female 12, average age 29 years old） were selected. Before, during and after five different acupuncture Neiguan （PC 6）, the TCE was measured at Quze （PC 3）, point A [at the lower one fourth of line between Tianquan （PC 2） and Quze （PC 3）] , point B [at the middle of line between Ximen （PC 4） and Quze （PC 3）], point C （2 cm ulnar side point A） and point D （2 cm ulnar side point B） with a high sensitive CO2 instrument （Frewil-Q.F., made in China）. The measure results were compared. Results： The comparison on value of TCE before and after the acupuncture, in Sham acupuncture and shallow acupuncture groups, it increased in all five points; in De-qi acupuncture group, there are significant increase on point A, point B, and Quze （PC 3）, it has statistic significance, but there are no significant increase on point C and D. After Ximen （PC 4） or Daling （PC 7） were pressed to block Neiguan （PC 6）, the value of TCE on Quze （PC 3）, point A and point B were decreased during acupuncture Neignan （PC 6）, and increased after the block was removed, but there was no significant difference. Conclusion： Sham acupuncture has also some effects on body, it can increase energy metabolism of local skin, it may be the reason that shallow acupuncture without qi arriving can obtain clinical efficacy. The operation method of traditional qi arriving acupuncture can increase energy metabolism of relevant meridian skin, mechanical press can reduce this effect.

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.

Effects of electroacupuncture at "Nèiguān" (内关 PC6) on the catecholamine neurotransmitters of rats with myocardial hypertrophy

Objective To study the neuroendocrine mechanisms of electroacupuncture （EA） at ＂Neiguan＂ （内关 PC 6） for preventing and treating myocardial hypertrophy. Methods Thirty 3-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and an EA group according to the random digit table, 10 in each group. Isoprenaline Hydrochloride （ISO） injection was subcutaneously injected to establish the model. EA at ＂Neiguan＂ （内关 PC 6） was applied for rats in the EA group, 20 min each time, once daily, for 14 successive days. No treatment was given to rats in the normal group and the observed. The plasma catecholamine neurotransmitters levels and c determined with high performance liquid chromatography model group. The electrocardiogram （ECG） was hanges of their metabolic products contents were （HLPC） method. Results Compared with the normal group, catecholamine neurotransmitters, such as epinephrin （E）, norepinephrine （NE）, and dopamine （DA） and metabolic products, such as 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol （MHPG）, homovanillic acid （HVA）, and 3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl acetic acid （DOPAC） were significantly increased in the model group （all P〈0.05）. These parameters decreased in the EA group when compared with the model group （all P〈0.05）. Conclusion EA at ＂Neiguan＂ （内关 PC 6） could improve the myocardial hypertrophy, which might be correlated with the neuroendocrine system.

Therapeutic observation on tuina for primary hypertension due to liver-fire flaming-up

Objective: To compare the antihypertensive effects of tuina at Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC 6) and Qiaogong (Extra) to screen the best tuina protocol for primary hypertension due to liver-fire flaming-up. Methods: A total of 102 patients with primary hypertension due to liver-fire flaming-up were randomly divided into a Taichong (LR 3) group, a Neiguan (PC 6) group and a Qiaogong (Extra) group according to the random number table, with 34 cases in each group. Patients in the three groups received 4-week tuina treatment with the corresponding acupoint respectively. The blood pressure was recorded by ben chtop mercury sphygmoma no meter before tuina, immediately after tuina treatment, 30 min and 60 min after tuina treatment with the patient in a supine position in a quiet treatment room. The total effective rate was observed. Results: The systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the three groups all decreased after treatment (all P<0.05). The decrease of systolic and diastolic blood pressure at different time points after treatment in the Qiaogong (Extra) group and the Taichong (LR 3) group were better than those in the Neiguan (PC 6) group (all P<0.05). Qiaogong (Extra) group had the highest total effective rate though there was no statistical differenee in the total effective rate among the three groups (P>0.05). Con elusion: Treati ng primary hypertensi on due to liver-fire flami ng-up with tuina at Taich ong (LR 3), Neigua n (PC 6) and Qiaogong (Extra) can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure respectively, among which Qiaogong (Extra) has the highest total effective rate.

Efficacy observation on acupuncture for diabetic gastroparesis

Objective： To observe the effect of acupuncture on gastric motility, plasma motilin and serum gastrin in patients with diabetic gastroparesis （DGP） and evaluate its clinical efficacy. Methods： A total of 100 eligible cases were randomly allocated into an acupuncture group （n=50） and a control group （n=50）. Patients in the acupuncture group were treated by needling Zhongwan （CV 12）, Zusanli （ST 36） and Neiguan （PC 6）, whereas patients in the control group were treated with oral administration of Domperidone. The clinical efficacies of the two groups were compared; and changes in gastric motility, plasma motilin and serum gastrin in both groups were observed before and after treatment. Results： After treatment, the symptom scores, gastric motility and contents of plasma motilin and serum gastrin were significantly improved in both groups （P〈0.05）. There were between-group statistically significant differences in symptom scores, gastric motility and levels of plasma motilin and serum gastrin after treatment （all P〈0.05）. The total effective rate was 96% in the treatment group, versus 78% in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Acupuncture is effective for DGP and can reduce the levels of plasma motilin and serum gastrin.

Effect of acupuncture on blood oxygen concentration in brain of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture on blood oxygen concentration in the brain of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), thus to reveal the mechanisms of acupuncture in intervening the brain function of PTSD rats. Methods: Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a grasping group, a paroxetine group and an acupuncture group, with 12 rats in each group. Except the blank group, rats in the other groups all received incarceration plus electric shock for 7 d to prepare the PTSD animal model. One hour before the stress model was established, rats in each group received the desig nated in tervention: rats in the blank group and the model group did not receive any intervention;rats in the grasping group received grasping and fixation;rats in the paroxetine group received paroxetine hydrochloride solution by intragastric administration;and rats in the acupuncture group received acupuncture. Six-day treatme nt was a course, with 2 courses of treatme nt con ducted for a total of 12 d. After the modeli ng, rats in each treatment group received intervention for 5 dz and the fNIRS system was used to collect and record the changes in the concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2), deoxygenated hemoglobin (d-Hb) and total hemoglobin (t-Hb) of the involved rat's brain regions, and also to assess the brain function. Results: Compared with the blank group, the con centrati on of HbO2 was significa ntly in creased, the concen trati on of d-Hb was significa ntly decreased, and the concen tration of t-Hb was sign ifica ntly in creased in the model group and the graspi ng group after the in tervention, and the differ en ces were statistically significant (all P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the concentrations of HbO2, d-Hb and t-Hb in the grasping group did not change significantly (all P>0.05). Compared with the grasping group, the concentration of HbC^was significantly decreased, the concentration of d-Hb was significantly in creased, and the concen trati on of t-Hb was sign ifica ntly decreased in the paroxeti ne group and the acup un cture group, and the differences were statistically sigrdficant (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the concentrations of HbO2, d-Hb and t-Hb between the paroxetine group and the acupuncture group (all P>0.05). Con elusion: Acup un cture can regulate the blood oxyge n conce ntrati on in the brain of PTSD model rats, which may be an important mechanism of acupuncture in intervening the brain function in PTSD rats.

Effects of acupuncture on neuro-electrophysiological activities in hippocampal CAI and CA3 areas of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder

Objective: To observe the effects of acupuncture on the characteristics of neuro-electrophysiological activity in hippocampal CAI and CA3 areas of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: Fifty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a grasping group, a Western medicine group and an acupuncture group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, rats in the other 4 groups all received the combined stress modeling method. Rats in the Western medicine group were intragastrically administrated with paroxetine hydrochloride, those in the acupuncture group received acupuncture intervention, those in the grasping group received grasping fixation, and those in the model group and the blank group did not receive any in terve ntions. After 14 d of in terve ntion, the interspike in terval (ISI) and power spectral den sities (PSD) were an a lyzed and mapped by in vivo multiple channels to record the neuron clusters discharge in the hippocampal CAI and CA3 areas. Results: Compared with the blank group, ISI was proIonged in the CAI and CA3 areas of the model group and the grasping group, and the concentrated PSD distribution area moved down (Pv0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the grasping group, the ISI of the CAI and CA3 areas in the Western medicine group and the acupuncture group was shortened, and the concentrated PSD distribution area moved up (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The ISI and PSD distributions in the CAI and CA3 areas of the acupuncture group were not statistically different from those in the Western medicine group (both P>0.05). Conclusion: Both acupuncture and paroxetine hydrochloride can significantly regulate the neuro-electrophysiology activity of hippocampal CAI and CA3 areas in PTSD rats, which may be one of the mechanisms of acupuncture intervention to promote PTSD recovery.

Clinical Study on Acupoint Injection plus Acupuncture for Insomnia Due to Heart-kidney Disharmony

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupoint injection at Neiguan(PC 6) plus acupuncture in treating insomnia due to heart-kidney disharmony. Methods: A hundred patients with insomnia due to heart-kidney disharmony were randomized into an observation group and a control group. Fifty-three cases in the observation group were intervened by acupoint injection at Neiguan(PC 6) plus acupuncture; while 54 cases in the control group were intervened by acupuncture alone. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI) was evaluated before and after intervention, and the therapeutic efficacies of the two groups were compared. Results: Acupoint injection at Neiguan(PC 6) plus acupuncture produced significantly higher efficacies in improving sleep quality, shortening sleep latency, and enhancing sleep efficiency than acupuncture alone(P<0.05).Conclusion: The two groups both can improve the condition of insomnia; acupoint injection at Neiguan(PC 6) has significant advantages, manifested by a higher therapeutic efficacy for insomnia due to heart-kidney disharmony, higher safety evaluation, efficiency, and less adverse events, thus proper for clinical application.

Coronary arteriography under acupuncture anesthesia:a case report

Acupuncture anesthesia is a technique by partially or completely replacing anesthetics with acupuncture in surgery based on the traditional acupuncture analgesia mechanism.It emerged in the 1950s,went viral in the 1970s and then gradually fell into decline.In the recent years,this technique has regained attention and further research.Acupuncture anesthesia can be classified as either pure acupuncture anesthesia or acupuncture-medication combined anesthesia.To expand the application of this technique,a patient with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome in urgent need of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) received pure acupuncture anesthesia because of an allergy to lidocaine,and the operation went successfully.This is the first time that pure acupuncture anesthesia and coronary arteriography were combined,which is of great significance in further study and development of acupuncture anesthesia.

Effect of liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture on resting-state electroencephalographic signals in rats with post-traumatic stress disorder

Objective:To observe the effect of liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture method on the resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) in rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),and to provide evidence for the effect mechanism study and clinical application of acupuncture intervention for PTSD.Methods:Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group,a model group,a grasping group,a paroxetine group and an acupuncture group,with 12 rats in each group.Except for rats in the blank control group,rats in the other groups were subjected to preparing the PTSD models using 'incarceration plus electric shock' method.After interventions,changes in rat behavior of each group were observed;changes in resting-state EEG were collected and analyzed with multichannel EEG acquisition and analysis system,and image analysis and statistical processing were performed.Results:Compared with the blank control group,the average escape latency in the model group was significantly longer (P＜0.05),and the times of crossing the platform and the effective areas were all significantly reduced (P＜0.01).Compared with the grasping group,the average escape latencies in the paroxetine group and acupuncture group were significantly shortened (P＜0.05),and the times of crossing the platform and the effective areas were all significantly increased (P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in the average escape latency,the times of crossing the platform and the effective areas between the acupuncture group and paroxetine group (all P＞0.05).Compared with the blank control group,the α-wave power spectrum value in the model group was significantly decreased,and the power spectrum values of β-wave,δ-wave and a-wave were significantly increased (all P＜0.01);compared with the grasping group,α-wave power spectrum values in the paroxetine group and acupuncture group were significantly increased (both P＜0.01),and the power spectrum values of β-wave,δ-wave and a-wave were decreased significantly (all P＜0.01).The power spectrum values of α-wave,β-wave,δ-wave and (e)-wave of rats in the acupuncture group were not significantly different from those in the paroxetine group (all P＞0.05).Conclusion:Liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture method can significantly improve the abnormal EEG activity in PTSD rats,which may be one mechanism of liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture method in effectively affecting the brain function in PTSD rats.

Protein and RNA expression of acid-sensing ion channels 2 and 3 in myocardial ischemia rats induced by isoproterenol

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the impact of electro-acupuncture at the Neiguan(PC 6) acupoint on protein and RNA expression of acid-sensing ion channel 2(ASIC2) and ASIC3 in myocardial ischemia rats.METHODS:Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were used,weighing(230 ± 50) g.The rats were randomized into a normal group A,model group B,Neiguan(PC 6) group C,Lieque(LU 7) group D,and A-shi points group E.There were 10 rats in each group.Rats were continuously administered 85 mg/kg intravenous isoproterenol daily to establish the model.Successfully modeled rats in groups C,D,and E were given electro-acupuncture treatment.Each group of rats was sacrificed with chloral hydrate(1 mL/100 g) intraperitoneal injection.The left ventricular myocardium was extracted and placed at- 70 ℃ until use.Western blot analysis and real-time PCR were performed to assay protein and RNA expressions of ASIC2 and ASIC3,respectively.Fold changes in RNA expression were quantified with the 2~^(-△△Ct) method.Blood samples were drawn from the aorta abdominalis and tested for creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS:Myocardial ischemia rats given electro-acupuncture at the Neiguan(PC 6) acupoint had significantly lower protein and RNA expression of ASIC2 and ASIC3,and CK-MB and LDH levels,compared with model rats(P < 0.01).CONCLUSION:Electro-acupuncture at the Neiguan(PC 6) acupoint can not only decrease the protein and RNA expression of ASIC2 and ASIC3,but also inhibit the opening of ASICs and reduce the cardiomyocyte damage in myocardial ischemia rats.

Investigation of Acupuncture Effects on Vegetative Brain Centres Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

FMRI has been used to study acupuncture effects for more than 10 years now. Many investigators have shown activations and deactivations of cortical structures, mostly of the limbic system （amygdala, insula, cingular cortex） that were interpreted as a modulation of the limbic network .As some of these structures also coordinate vegetative functions, recently interest has grown in imaging vegetative brainstem centers.

Treatment of 68 Cases of Epigastric Pain with Acupucnture

Acute and chronic gastritis,gastric and duodenalglobular ulcer,and antral gastritis are commonlyencountered diseases of digestive system,andepigastric pain is their main symptom.The authortreated 68 cases of epigastric pain with acupuncture,now it is reported as follows.