The Effect of Electroacupuncture Stimulation on the Nerve Blood flow in Rats / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

As a preparatory study for treating diabetic neuropathy by acupuncture, we investigated the effect of electroacupuncture on the sciatic blood flow in rats. Nerve blood flow was measured with a laser doppler flowmeter. Different treatments were applied to three groups of rats as follows:<br>1) those stimulated with low-frequency (1Hz, 5Hz) electroacupuncture, <br>2) those stimulated with high-frequency (20Hz, 100Hz) electroacupuncture and<br>3) those stimulated by pinching in the tails.<br>In the electroacupuncture groups, stimulation was applied to the plantae. While little change was observed in the rats stimulated with low-frequency electroacupuncture, temporary increases in both blood flow and blood pressure were observed in the rats stimulated with high-frequency electroacupuncture and in the rats subjected to pinch stimulation.<br>These reactions were all inhibited by the administration of phentolamine (α receptor blocker).<br>These results suggest that the increase in sciatic blood flow induced by high-frequency electroacupuncture and pinch simulation are dependent on the blood pressure.

Effects of Lumbar Acupuncture Stimulation and Sciatic Nerve Electrical Stimulation on Blood Flow to the Sciatic Nerve Trunk / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

Effects of acupuncture stimulation on the lumbar area and those of electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve on blood flow to the sciatic nerve were studied using laser Doppler flowmetry in anesthetized rats. Changes in the nerve blood flow induced by acupuncture stimulation were not similar. Half of the blood flow responses correlated with changes in arterial blood pressure. In the other half, responses did not always agree with changes in arterial blood pressure. Electrical stimulation was administered to the sciatic nerve contralateral or ipsilateral to the blood flow measurement site. Electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral side increased nerve blood flow without increasing arterial pressure. Administraton of atropine slightly diminished the response. Contralateral nerve stimulation, changes in nerve blood flow were not accompanied by arterial pressure changes. These results suggested that nerve blood flow may increase without increment of the arterial pressure in response to certain types of acupuncture stimulation.