PET imaging of brain function while puncturing the acupoint ST36 / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the experimental method of obtaining position emission tonogiaphy (PET) imaging evidence of changes in cerebral function by puncturing the Stomach 36 (ST36, Zusanli) acupoint.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data on changes of cerebral glycometabolism were obtained from six healthy male volunteers with positron emission tomography. Visual experimental evidence, as well as statistical parametric mapping (SPM), was gathered while puncturing the ST36 (Zusanli, right leg) acupoint.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was increased glycometabolism in the hypothalamus, head of the caudate nucleus, temporal lobe, the sinistral cerebellum, postcentral gyrus, and brain stem while the acupoint ST36 was being punctured.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Acupuncture on ST36 can lead to increase in glycometabolism in the vegetative nerve centers, which is correlated with gastric function. Visual experimental evidence of ST36 acupuncturing on functional gastrointestinal disorder was obtained in our study.</p>

Imaging with PET and fMRI on brain function in acupuncturing the ST36 (Zusanli) / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo discuss the experimental method and the mechanisms on treating diseases by acupuncturing the ST36(Zusanli).MethodsUsing Positron Emission Tomography(PET) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging(fMRI) to obtain the experimental data about glycometabolism and cerebral blood stream,using SPM and ROI image-analytical method to obtain the visual experimental evidence when acupuncturing the ST36. ResultsThere are certain increases of glycometabolism and cerebral blood stream in ipsilateral hypothalamus and bilateral temporal lobe, when acupuncturing the ST36. Conclusions Acupuncturing the ST36 can lead to the functional changes in vegetative nerve center and temporal lobe, which is close correlated with the therapeutical effects of ST36.