Effects of electroacupuncture at Zusanli(ST36) on inflammatory cytokines in a rat model of smokeinduced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE： Improvement in lung function was reported after acupuncture treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Because an immune response imbalance could be seen in COPD, we hypothesize that electroacupuncture （EA） may play a role in regulating inflammatory cytokines and contribute to lung protection in a rat model of smoke-induced COPD. METHODS： A COPD model using male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to cigarette smoke was established. The rats were randomly divided into four groups （control, sham, COPD, and COPD plus EA）, and COPD model was evaluated by measuring pulmonary pathological changes and lung function. EA was applied to the acupuncture point Zusanli （ST36） for 30 min/d for 14 d in sham and COPD rats. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） was used to measure levels of tumor necrosis factor-a （TNF-a）, interleukin-113 （IL-113）, and malonaldehyde （MDA）. RESULTS： Compared with the control rats, COPD rats had significant changes in lung resistance （R,） and lung compliance （C,） （both P〈0.01）, bronchi and bronchiole airway obstruction （P〈0.01）, and levels of MDA, TNF-α, and IL-1β（P〈0.01）. There were no significant differences between the control and the sham groups. Compared with the COPD rats, the COPD plus EA rats had decreased R, and increased CL （both P〈0.05）, and reduced bronchi and bronchiole airway obstruction （P〈0.05, P〈0.01, respectively）, while levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and MDA in BALF were lowered （P〈0.05 and P〈0.01, respectively）. However, TNF-α and IL-1β levels of the EA group rats remained higher than those of the control group （P〈0.05）. CONCLUSION： EA at ST36 can reduce lung injury in a COPD rat model, and beneficial effects may be related to down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may prolong the clinical benefit of EA.

Electro-acupuncture at Zusanli(ST 36) to improve lower extremity motor function in sensory disturbance patients with cerebral stroke A randomized controlled study of 240 cases

BACKGROUND： Studies have shown that sensory transduction is a way to introduce needle sensation. OBJECTIVE： To observe the influence of electro-acupuncture at the ＂Zusanll＂ （ST 36） point on lower extremity motor function in various sensory disturbance patients with cerebral stroke. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, clinical study was performed at the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, China Rehabilitation Research Centre from September 2006 to June 2008. PARTICIPANTS： Patients with first-time cerebral infarction or hemorrhage, or with a stroke history, but no neurodysfunction （single damage）, were selected for this study. The subjects were right-handed and disease state was stable. A total of 240 inpatients were randomly assigned to the following groups： electro-acupuncture （n = 124） and control （n = 116）. The two groups were further assigned into sub-groups： no sensory disturbance, superficial sensory disturbance, deep sensory disturbance, and deep and superficial sensory disturbance. METHODS： On the basis of routine limb function training, the acupoint Zusanliwas utilized in all patients from the electro-acupuncture group. Perpendicular acupuncture was 3.0-4.0 cm deep. An electric acupuncture instrument was connected when patients developed the needle sensation, deqi. A stimulation pattern consisting of distant and dense waves of 50 Hz was used to elicit slight dorsal foot extension. Acupuncture was administered 5 times per week, 30 minutes per session, for 6 weeks in total. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： FugI-Meyer assessment （FMA） was used to evaluate lower extremity motor function; Ver.1.0 gait analysis to estimate gait （step frequency, step speed, and step scope）; lower extremity Composite Spasticity Scale （CSS） to estimate muscle spastic degree. RESULTS： Following treatment, motor function improved in both groups. Compared with the control group, FMA score, step speed, step frequency, and step scope were increased in the electro-acupuncture group, but there was no difference in lower extremity CSS scores between the electro-acupuncture and the control groups （P 〉 0.05）. Compared with the control group, Zusanli （ST 36） electro-acupuncture improved motor function indices as follows： FMA score, step frequency, step speed, and step scope of patients with no sensory disturbance （P 〈 0.05-0.01）, step frequency of patients with superficial sensory disturbance （P 〈 0.05）, and step frequency and step speed of patients with deep sensory disturbance （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Zusanfi （ST 36） electro-acupuncture effects on lower extremity motor function in stroke patients were improved with no muscle tone rise. Therefore, this form of treatment can be used in convalescent treatment, Moreover, effects were different according to various sensory disturbance types, which suggested that sensory input influenced acupuncture effects.

Moxibustion at ST36 activates peritoneal macrophages in CTX-induced immunosuppression in mouse model via IFN-γ

Background:To explored whether moxa cone moxibustion can reduce peritoneal inflammation by increasing the content of peritoneal macrophages and B cells via interferon-gamma.Methods:The mice were randomly divided into three groups with six mice in each group:the control group,model group,and moxibustion group,and the model was established in mice using cyclophosphamide.In the moxibustion group,the mice received moxa cone moxibustion at Zusanli(ST36)for 7 days.Analysis of Peritoneal cell were detected by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence,the protein expression level in the peritoneal fluid were measured with mouse cytokine antibody arrays and verified by enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay test,and RNA-Sequencing was used for peritoneal cell RNA analysis.Results:Our results showed that moxa cone moxibustion could reduce the loss of large peritoneal macrophages and B1 cells(P<0.05).With the cytokine array analysis and enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay test of peritoneal fluid,we found that IFN‐γwas up-regulated in moxibustion group(P<0.05).There were 169 genes were down-regulated in the model group and up-regulated in the moxibustion group while 19 genes that were up-regulated in the model group and down-regulated in the moxibustion group via RNA-sequencing.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis of 188 intersect differentially expressed genes were found that the top 3 pathways with the highest enrichment of up-regulated genes included Hematopoietic cell lineage,Inflammatory bowel disease and Malaria.The differentially expressed genes visualization protein-protein interaction network shows the top 10 genes including Ifng,Grb2,CCR7,CTLA4,CXCR5,Foxp3,kit,PRF1,CD5 and klrg1.Conclusion:These findings showed that moxa cone moxibustion can alleviate chemotherapy-induced diarrhea by reducing the loss of large peritoneal macrophages and B1 cells in the peritoneal cavity,possibly through up-regulating inflammatory bowel disease signaling pathway via interferon-gamma to regulate the survival and function of large peritoneal macrophages and B1 cells.

Effects of pre-moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36) on heat shock protein 70 expression in rats with gastric mucosal lesions after neurotomy

Studies have shown that pre-moxibustion protects the gastric mucosa by up-regulating the expression of heat shock protein 70. However, the signaling pathway underlying this effect remains unclear. Rats were intragastrically administered absolute alcohol, causing obvious lesion of the gastric mucosa. Following pre-moxibustion at Zusanfi （ST36） for 8 days, the ulcer index decreased to different degrees. The results of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting showed significant upregulation of heat shock protein 70 expression in the gastric mucosa and serum. None out of transection of the spinal cord, damage to the nucleus of the solitary tract, neurotomy of the vagal nerve and neurotomy of the common peroneal nerve affected the decrease in ulcer index or the increase in heat shock protein 70 expression in serum after pre-moxibustion at Zusanfi, and heat shock protein 70 expression was obviously decreased in the gastric mucosa. These findings suggest that pre-moxibustion at Zusanfi can protect the gastric mucosa against lesioning, and that the mechanism underlying this effect involves its induction of heat shock protein 70 expression. Neural pathways participate in the regulatory effects of moxibustion on heat shock protein 70 expression in the gastric mucosa.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON MOXIBUSTION AT ZUSANLI(ST 36) AND LIANGMEN (ST 21) INDUCING HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 70 (HSP70) EXPRESSION TO RESIST OXIDATIVE INJURY OF GASTRIC MUCOSA

To observe effect of moxibustion at Zusanli （足三里 ST 36） and Liangmen （梁门 ST 21 ） on expression of heat shock protein 70 （HSP70） in gastric mucosa of the rat of stress ulcer （SU） to explore the mechanism of moxibustion in resisting oxidative injury of the gastric mucosa. Methods： Sixty SD rats were evenly randomized into 4 groups, a blank group, a model group, an acupoint moxibustion group and a non-acupoint moxibustion group. Water restraint stress （WRS） method was used to make stress gastric ulcer rat model. The ulcerative index （Ul） of gastric mucosa was evaluated by using GUTH method, the gastric mu- cosa blood flux （GMBF） was detected by a laser Doppler bloodflow monitor, and HSP70 expression and malondialdehyde （MDA） content in the gastric mucosa were determined respectively with immunohistochemical and thiobarbiturate methods. Results： Moxibustion at Zusanli （ST 36） and Liangmen （ST 21 ） significantly de- creased Ul, up-regulated HSP70 expression, increased GMBF, and decreased MDA content in the gastric mucosa in the rat of stress gastric ulcer, with significant differences as compared with the model group and the non-acupoint moxibustion group （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01 ）. Conclusion： Moxibustion at Zusanli （ST 36） and Liangmen （ST 21 ） can induce high expression of HSP70 and decrease MDA content in the gastric mucosa, so as to resist oxidative injury, with relative acupoint specificity.

Comparison of protective effects of electroacupuncture and moxibustion at Zusanli(ST 36)on perinatal nicotine exposure-induced lung phenotype in rat offspring

Objective:To compare the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)and moxibustion at Zusanli(ST 36)on the lung phenotype of rat offspring exposed to nicotine during the perinatal period.Methods:Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:the control group(saline only),the model group(nicotine only),the EA group(nicotine+EA at ST 36 acupoints bilaterally),and the moxibustion group(nicotine+moxibustion at ST 36 acupoints bilaterally).n=6 rats per group.On postnatal day 21,the body weight,lung weight,and pulmonary function were determined and lung morphometry was performed.Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma andβ-catenin levels in the lung tissue of offspring were also determined.Results:Perinatal nicotine exposure(PNE)results in decreased body and lung weights of offspring rats,abnormal lung tissue morphology,and significantly altered pulmonary function,showing an increase in total airway resistance and a decrease in tidal volume,minute ventilation,total airway compliance,and peak expiratory flow.Bilateral EA at ST 36 acupoints could block all of these perinatal nicotine-induced effects.Although moxibustion also had protective effects in nicotine-induced offspring lungs,some of these effects did not reach statistical significance,e.g.,protection against the upregulation ofβ-catenin,the downregulation of PPARγsignaling,and the increase in peak expiratory flow.Conclusion:Maternal EA at ST 36 blocked the PNE-induced changes in key developmental signaling pathways,prevented the PNE-induced changes in lung morphology,and protected pulmonary function.Moxibustion at ST 36 showed similar but weaker protective effects against the PNE-induced changes in the exposed offspring.It is important to note that the mechanism underlying the protective effects of moxibustion at ST 36 may be different from those of EA at ST 36,and further research is needed to understand these differences.

TREATMENT WITH ACUPUNCTURE AT ZUSANLI (St 36) FOR EPIGASTRIC PAIN IN THE ELDERLY

Acupuncture at a single point is a spe-cial feature in the treatment of acute symp-toms for its simplicity and effectiveness.Theauthor experienced many cases of acuteepigastric pain treated with acupuncture at asingle acupoint with satisfactory results.Pain in the elderly is most often of

世界知识产权组织ST.36与ST.96标准的比较研究

本文通过对WIPO的XML专利旧数据标准ST.36和ST.96多方面的比较和研究,增进对WIPO新标准的理解,探索未来WIPO标准的发展动向,以期为我国知识产权行业的数据业务发展提供一定的借鉴。

Downregulation of electroacupuncture at ST36 on TNF-α in rats with ulcerative colitis

AIM: To investigate the regulatory effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST36) on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC), and further elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of EA on UC.METHODS: Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=-8): normal control group, UC control group, UC+ST36 group and UC+nonacupoint group. A solution containing ethanol and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) was instilled into the distal colon in the rat (at a dose of 100 mg/kg) to set up UC rat model. Rats in wakefulness state of UC+ST36 group were stimulated at ST36 by EA once a day, while those of UC+nonacupoint group were done at 0.5 cm beside ST36. After 10d treatment, all rats were sacrificed simultaneously. Colon musocal inflammation and damage were assessed by measuring colon mass, morphologic damage score, colonic myeloperoxidase enzyme (MPO) activity, serum TNF-α and colonic TNF-α mRNA level. Morphologic damage score was examined under stereomicroscope. Colonic MPO activity was measured by spectrophotometer method. Serum TNF-αconcentration was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA).Colonic TNF-α mRNA expression level was analyzed by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).RESULTS: Ratio of colonic mass/body mass (mC/mB) and activity of colonic MPO (μkat/g tissue) markedly increased (8.5±2.6 vs 2.5±0.4; 145±25 vs 24±8, P＜0.01 vs normal control group). Compared with normal control rats, serum TNF-α and colonic TNF-α mRNA level in UC control group were increased 2.5 fold (2 278±170 vs 894±248, P＜0.01)and 4.3 fold (0.98±0.11 vs 0.23±0.11, P＜0.01)respectively. After EA at ST36, mc/mB and MPO activity were reduced significantly (5.3±2.0 vs 8.5±2.6; 104±36 vs145±25, P＜0.01, 0.05) compared with those of UC control group. Serum TNF-α and colonic TNF-α mRNA level were inhibited by EA stimulation at ST36 (P＜0.01). The inhibitory rate was 16 % and 44 % respectively.Morphologic damage score was also increased markedly in rat with UC (P＜0.01), whereas it was decreased by EA at ST36 (P＜0.05). There was no significant difference between UC control group and UC+EA at non-acupoint (P＞0.05). Furthermore, these parameters were highly correlated with each other (P＜0.01).CONCLUSION: Serum TNF-α concentration and colonic TNF-α mRNA expression level are increased significantly in UC rats in correlation with the severity of disease. It indicates that TNF-α is closely involved in the immune abnormalities and inflammatory responses in UC. EA at ST36 has therapeutic effect on UC by downregulating serum TNF-r and colonic TNF-r mRNA expression. High levels of TNF-αand its corresponding mRNA expression seem to be implicated in the pathogenesis of UC.

新型抗缺血药物治疗急性冠状动脉综合征的评价:雷诺嗪用于减少非ST段抬高型急性冠状动脉综合征局部缺血的代谢效能(MERLIN)-TIMI36试验的试验设计与原理

Background: Despite advances in antithrombotic therapies and invasive technology, the risk of recurrent ischemic complications in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes(NSTE-ACSs) remains substantial. Ranolazine is a novel agent that inhibits the late sodium current thereby reducing cellular sodium and calcium overload and has been shown to reduce ischemia in patients with chronic stable angina. Study Design: MERLIN-TIMI 36 is a phase III, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, multinational clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ranolazine during long-term treatment of patients with NSTE-ACS receiving standard therapy(N=6500). Eligible patients are randomized 1 ∶1 to ranolazine or matched placebo, initiated as 200 mg intravenously over 1 hour, followed by an 80-mg/h infusion(40 mg/h for patients with severe renal insufficiency) for up to 96 hours and oral ranolazine ER 1000 mg BID or matched placebo until the end of study. The primary end point is the time to first occurrence of any element of the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or recurrent ischemia. Secondary end points include ischemia on Holter monitoring, hospitalization for new or worsening heart failure, quality of life measures, and exercise performance. The evaluation of longterm safety will include death from any cause and symptomatic documented arrhythmia. Recruitment began in October 2004. The trial will continue until 730 major cardiovascular events and 310 deaths are recorded with expected completion in 24 to 28 months. Conclusions: MERLIN-TIMI 36 will evaluate the role of ranolazine in the acute and chronic management of patients presenting with NSTE-ACS.

血运重建对非ST段抬高急性冠脉综合征患者生活质量的影响

目的探讨血运重建对非ST段抬高急性冠脉综合征(NSTE-ACS)患者生活质量的影响。方法将559例NSTE-ACS患者分为完全血运重建组(完全介入治疗组、冠脉搭桥手术组)、不完全血运重建组(不完全介入治疗组)、单纯药物治疗组,通过SF-36生活质量量表随访2年患者的生活质量变化。结果 (1)经过2年的随访调查,发生重大心血管事件的有111例。(2)在SF-36量表中的各个维度改善情况显示,单纯药物治疗组对各个维度的改善率普遍偏低,且与其他三组相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01或P<0.05);而在躯体疼痛、社会功能、情感职能、精神健康、健康变化5个维度中,完全介入治疗组改善率优于冠脉搭桥手术组(P<0.05)。结论完全冠状动脉血运重建可显著改善NSTE-ACS患者远期的生活质量,完全介入治疗对躯体疼痛的改善率最高;冠状动脉搭桥对生理职能改善率最高。

中药内服联合电针对行Halsted疝修补术的老年腹股沟嵌顿疝患者胃肠功能的影响

目的:观察中药内服联合电针对行Halsted疝修补术的老年腹股沟嵌顿疝患者胃肠功能的影响。方法:将64例行Halsted疝修补术的老年腹股沟嵌顿疝患者随机分为治疗组和对照组,每组32例。对照组给予常规治疗,治疗组在对照组治疗的基础上给予中药内服联合电针足三里治疗。观察两组患者肠鸣音恢复时间、肛门排气时间、排便时间、胃肠减压时间及术后围手术期腹胀发生率等。结果:治疗组肠鸣音恢复时间、肛门排气时间、排便时间、胃肠减压时间短于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗组腹胀发生率为18.75%,对照组腹胀发生率为53.13%,治疗组腹胀发生率低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:中药内服联合电针能够促进行Halsted疝修补术的老年腹股沟嵌顿疝患者胃肠功能及早恢复,降低腹胀发生率,减轻腹胀程度。

Adenosine triphosphate mediates the pain tolerance effect of manual acupuncture at Zusanli(ST36) in mice

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanisms behind the effects of acupuncture in Traditional Chinese Medicine,we delved into the adenosine triphosphate/peripheral purinergic P2X receptor 3(ATP/P2X3)receptor signaling system as an indicator of the body's energy state,commonly referred to as"Qi".METHODS:The tail-flick test was utilized to explore the impact of acupuncture on pain tolerance threshold(PTT)in mice,while also assessing adenosine(ADO)levels and adenylate energy charge(EC)at Zusanli(ST36).The study further investigated the dose-dependent effects of acupuncture on PTT and ADO levels at Zusanli(ST36).To shed light on the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture's effects,the study examined the impact of ATP,a P2X3 receptor antagonist,and adenosine disodium on PTT following acupuncture administration.RESULTS:Acupuncture at Zusanli(ST36)led to significant improvements in PTT in mice,with the most effective interventions being twirling for 2 min and needle retention for 28 min.These interventions also resulted in significant increases in ATP levels.The effects of acupuncture were further augmented by administration of different doses of ATP at Zusanli(ST36),and pretreatment with a P2X3 receptor antagonist decreased PTT.Adenylate EC peaked at 30 min after intraperitoneal injection of ATP,and pretreatment with various doses of i.p.ATP 30 min prior to acupuncture increased PTT in a dose-dependent manner.Additionally,pretreatment with an i.p.or intramuscular injection of adenosine disodium enhanced the effects of acupuncture.CONCLUSION:This research provides compelling evidence that ATP is involved in the regulation of PTT through acupuncture,revealing new avenues for achieving enhanced clinical outcomes.

Long-term acupuncture treatment has a multitargeting regulation on multiple brain regions in rats with Alzheimer＇s disease：a positron emission tomography study

The acute effect of acupuncture on Alzheimer＇s disease,i.e.,on brain activation during treatment,has been reported.However,the effect of long-term acupuncture on brain activation in Alzheimer＇s disease is unclear.Therefore,in this study,we performed long-term needling at Zusanli（ST36）or a sham point（1.5 mm lateral to ST36）in a rat Alzheimer＇s disease model,for 30 minutes,once per day,for 30 days.The rats underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scanning.Positron emission tomography images were processed with SPM2.The brain areas activated after needling at ST36 included the left hippocampus,the left orbital cortex,the left infralimbic cortex,the left olfactory cortex,the left cerebellum and the left pons.In the sham-point group,the activated regions were similar to those in the ST36 group.However,the ST36 group showed greater activation in the cerebellum and pons than the sham-point group.These findings suggest that long-term acupuncture treatment has targeted regulatory effects on multiple brain regions in rats with Alzheimer＇s disease.

Anti-aging effects of moxa cone moxibustion As a free radical scavenger complement

Therapies that complement free radical scavenging are an important approach for treating aging in the brain. In the present study, two formulations of moxa cone moxibustion were applied at acupoints Zusanfi （ST 36） and Xuanzhong （GB 39）, and at acupoints Baihui （DU 20） and Guanyuan （RN 4）, in D-galactose-induced senile mice. The results revealed that moxa cone moxibustion improved total superoxide dismutase and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase activity in the homogenates of the cerebral tissue, as well as ameliorating deficits in neuronal morphology and neuronal density in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal CA3. Moxa cone moxibustion also enhanced learning and memory functions of senile mice. Moxa cone moxibustion at Zusanli, Xuanzhong, Baihuiand Guanyuan acupoints can thus be used to complement free radical scavengers, with efficacy that is equal to that of electroacupuncture at Zusanliand Xuanzhong, and superior to that of nimodipine treatment.

PRELIMNARY STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF SUBSTANCE P IN THE PROCESS OF FORMATION OF NEEDLING SENSATION

Object: To study the effect of SP in the process of formation of needling sensation in the rat. Methods: The pain threshold was determined by inducing rat’s tail swing reaction when the electrical stimulation was gradually increased to a certain extent via two electrodes inserted in the bilateral sides of the tail. Right Zusanli (ST 36) was stimulated electrically for 30 min by setting the stimulating parameters as continuous waves, frequency of 20 Hz and a suitable strength (just generating slight muscular tremor). The relative SP contents of the spinal cord and the small intestine were displayed by using immunohistochemical method and evaluated using gray density value. The effect of "Zusanli" injection of SP on pain threshold was observed by injecting 25 μL of SP (5 nm) into the bilateral ST 36. In control group, normal saline (25 μL) was injected into the bilateral ST 36. Results: ① After elctroacupuncture (EA) of ST 36, both the pain threshold and SP content of the spinal dorsal horn on the EA side increased significantly (P< 0.05); and ② Both EA and injection of SP could raise the pain threshold remarkably. Conclusion: SP may play an important role in the process of formation of needling sensation in the primary nerve center.

The Expression of Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide on the Neurons Associated Zusanli(ST 36)in Rats

Objective： To investigate the biochemical characteristic of the neurons associated Zusanli （ST 36） in the rat by using Alexa Fluor 594 conjugated cholera toxin subunit B （AF594-CTB） neural tracing and calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP） fluorescent immunohistochemical techniques. Methods： Four male Sprague Dawley rats were injected with AF594-CTB into the corresponding area of the Zusanli in the human body. After 3 surviving days, the rat＇s spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia （DRGs） at lumbar segments were dissected following perfusion with 4% paraformaldehyde, cut into sections, and then stained with CGRP- fluorescent immunohistochemical method. Results： AF594-CTB labeled sensory neurons were detected in the L3-L6 DRGs with high concentration in L4 DRG, and the labeled motor neurons located in the dorsolateral and intermediate regions of lamina IX from L3-L5 segments with high concentration at L4. Meanwhile, CGRP- positive neural labeling distributed symmetrically on both sides of DRGs, anterior and dorsal horns of spinal cord. In the AF594-CTB labeled neurons, 37% sensory neurons and 100% motor neurons expressed CGRP- positive. Conclusion： These findings present the morphological evidence to demonstrate that the sensory and motor neurons associated Zusanli in the rat distributed with segmental and regional patterns, and contained CGRP-expression.

Therapeutic observation on electroacupuncture at Zusanli(ST 36) and Fenglong(ST 40) for senile dementia

Objective： To explore the clinical effects of electroacupuncture（EA） at Zusanli（ST 36） and Fenglong（ST 40） in treating senile dementia. Methods： A total of 74 patients were randomly divided into an EA group and a medication group based upon the random digital table, 37 cases in each group. EA at Zusanli（ST 36） and Fenglong（ST 40） was given in the EA group, once every day, for six treatments per week. Donepezil Hydrochloride Tablets were given to the medication group, 5 mg per time and once a day in the former four weeks, 10 mg per time and once a day after 4 weeks, oral administration before sleep at night. The courses of the treatment were 12 weeks in both groups. The scores of mini-mental state examination（MMSE） and Barthel index（BI） were observed before and after the treatment, for processing the comparative analysis of the clinical effects after the course of the treatment. Results： The total effective rate was 86.5% in the EA group and 70.3% in the medication group. The therapeutic effect was better in the EA group than that in the medication group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant（P〈0.05）. MMSE and BI scores after the treatment in the two groups were all elevated than those of the same groups before the treatment（P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. The improving situation was obviously better in the EA group than that in the medication group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant（P〈0.05）. Conclusion： EA at Zusanli（ST 36） and Fenglong（ST 40） is affirmative in the therapeutic effect for senile dementia and can also improve the cognitive function and enhance the patients＇ quality of life.

Electroacupuncture at Feishu(BL13) and Zusanli(ST36) down-regulates the expression of orexins and their receptors in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Inflammation and lung function decline are the main pathophysiological features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）. Acupuncture can improve lung function in patients with COPD, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Orexins （OXs）, which are found in peripheral plasma, are neuropeptides that regulate respiration and their levels are related to COPD. Therefore, we hypothesized that acupuncture might alter OXs, reduce lung inflammation and improve lung function in COPD. METHODS： COPD was induced in rats by exposure to cigarette smoke for 8 weeks and injecting with lipopolysaccharide twice. Electroacupuncture （EA） was performed at Feishu （BL13） and Zusanli （ST36） for 30 min/d for 2 weeks. Rat lung function and morphology were assessed after EA. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-a） and intedeukin-1β （IL-16） in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） and orexin A and B levels in the lung tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. OX receptor mRNA levels and immunopositive cells were assessed with real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical methods, respectively. The relationships among lung function, cell factors, and OX levels were analyzed by Pearson correlation analyses. RESULTS： Compared with the control group, lung function was significantly decreased in the rats with COPD （P〈0.05）. There were obvious increases in TNF-α and IL-1β levels in BALF （P〈0.05 and P〈0.01, respectively）, orexin A level in lung tissue （P〈0.01; but not orexin B） and mRNA expressions of OX 1 type receptor （OXR1） and OX 2 type receptor （OXR2） in lung tissue （P〈0.05 and P〈0.01, respectively）; the integrative optical densities （IODs） of both receptors were greater in the COPD group （P〈0.05）. For rats with COPD subjected to EA, lung function was improved （P〈0.05）. There were notable decreases in TNF-a and IL-1β levels （P〈0.05 and 〈0.01, respectively） in BALF. Orexin A, but not orexin B, levels in lung tissue also decreased （P〈0.01）, as did mRNA expression of OXlR and OX2R in lung tissue （P〈0.05 and P〈0.01, respectively）. Receptor IODs were also reduced after EA treatment （P〈0.05）. Furthermore, orexin A levels and ratio of forced expiratory volume in 0.3 s to forced vital capacity were strongly negatively correlated （P〈0.01）, and orexin A was positively correlated with TNF-α and IL-1β （P〈0.001 and P〈0.05, respectively）.CONCLUSION： EA at Zusanli and Feishu improved lung function of rats with COPD and had an anti-inflammatory effect, which may be related to down-regulation of OXA and its receptors.

Effect of moxa-burning heat stimulating Liangmen(ST 21) and Zusanli(ST 36) on proliferation and apoptosis signaling proteins in rats with stress-induced gastric ulcer

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxa-burning heat stimulating acupoints of Liangmen(ST 21)and Zusanli(ST 36) on the proliferation and apoptosis signaling proteins in rats with stress-induced gastric ulcer.METHODS: Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups: negative control(NC), ulcer control(UC), acupoints of stomach meridian(ASM), and acupoints control(AC). The acute gastric ulcer model was established by bound and water immersion.Rats in NC and UC groups didn't receive any moxa-burning heat stimulating treatment, while rats in ASM and AC groups were treated with buringmoxa heat stimulating the acupoints of Liangmen(ST 21) and Zusanli(ST 36) and their controlled points, respectively. Rats in all groups were sacrificed after 12 consecutive days treatment. The ulcer index was evaluated by using Guth's method.The expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), apoptotic protease activating facter-1(Apaf-1), Caspase-3, p21 activated kinase 1(PAK1),extracellular regulated protein kinases 2(ERK2),phosphorylated ERK2(p ERK2), phosphoinositide3-kinase(PI3K) and RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase(Akt) in gastric mucosa was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS: Compared with UC group, the ulcer index of ASM and AC groups decreased, and the injured gastric mucosa was improved, the expression of TNF-α, Apaf-1 and Caspase-3 in gastric mucosa was significantly reduced(P < 0.05), while the ex-pression of PAK1, ERK2, p ERK2, PI3 K and Akt in gastric mucosa was significantly increased(P < 0.05).And ASM showed better effect than AC group(P <0.05).CONCLUSION: Moxa-burning Heat stimulating of Liangmen(ST 21) and Zusanli(ST 36) could promote the recovery of gastric mucosal lesion probably by inhibiting cell apoptosis and promoting cell proliferation in stress-induced gastric ulcer.