Effects of acupoints on pericardium meridian of hand-Jueyin with acupuncture on cell apoptosis induced by myocardial ischemic reperfused injury

Yuefeng TIAN; Fudong WU; Haifa QIAO; Xiuzhen HAN; Qiuhua SHAN

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Apoptosis of cardiomyocytes is speeded up during ischemic reperfused injury. Acupuncture on the points of hand- Jueyin meridian can inhibit the progression of reperfused injury and reduce apoptosis of cardiomyocytes so as to provide the protection on the heart.

OBJECTIVE:

To observe the effects of acupuncture on the points of hand-Jueyin meridian on apoptosis of cardiomyocytes during ischemic reperfused injury.

DESIGN:

Randomized controlled experiment based on the experimental animals.

SETTING:

Department of acupuncture and massage in a university of traditional Chinese medicine.MATERIALS The experiment was performed in Central Laboratory of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April to December 2001. Forty Wistar male rats were employed, and were randomized into 5 groups, named as blank group, model group, "Neiguan(PC 6)" group,"Ximen(PC 4)" group and "Zhigou(TE 6)" group.

METHODS:

After electric acupuncture on the points of pericardium meridian for 20 minutes, the ligature was done on the anterior-descending branch of the left coronary artery for 40 minutes. Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring was followed. The ligature was released after electric acupuncture on the points for another 20 minutes and perfusion was restored for 60 minutes. Afterward, the heart was extracted, the cellular suspension was prepared and the determination with flow-type cell apparatus was applied.MAIN OUTCOME

MEASURES:

Effects of acupuncture on the changes in apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes.

RESULTS:

In the model group, the typical apoptosis peak presented, the apoptosis rate was remarkably increased. The comparison between the points of pericardium meridian groups and the model group indicated very significant difference(P < 0.01) .The apoptosis rates in "Neiguan(PC 6)" group, "Ximen(PC 4)" group and "Zhigou(TE 6)" group as well as the model groupwere(4.29±0.76)%, (5. 17±0.88)%, (13.96 ±2.77)% and (16.01 ± 1.04)% respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Acupuncture on the points of hand-Jueyin meridian inhibits myocardial apoptosis effectively so as to reduce myocardial injury caused by cell apoptosis.