Rat Point Renying(ST9)Location Standardand the Hypotensive Effect of Acupuncture / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo establish a surface location method and acupuncture manipulation standard by dissecting the local structure of rat point Renying(ST9)and make a validation through the hypotensive effect of acupuncture.MethodA Wistar rat was sacrificed and fixed by cryogenic freezing. According the anatomical characteristics of human point Renying, cervical point Renying region was dissected layer by layer, and the common carotid artery, the internal carotid artery and the external carotid artery were bluntly separated. Location and measurement were made using vernier calipers and digital photographs were taken. Body surface location and acupuncture point depth were statistically analyzed to establish acupuncture manipulation standards. Point Renying and a non-acupoint were separately acupunctured to treat rat spontaneous hypertension. The changing tendency of blood pressure was statistically analyzed after four weeks.ResultAccording to the 95% reference value range, the surface location of rat point Renying was determined to be (8±0.3)mm below a line connecting bilateral mandibular angles and (5.5±0.4)mm lateral to the anterior midline, one on each side. Acupuncture manipulation standards were perpendicular insertion (5.5±0.4)mm and cautious lifting and thrusting to avoid injuring the artery. Acupuncture at point Renying had a marked hypotensive effect as compared with a non-acupoint (P<0.05).ConclusionThe surface location of rat point Renying is reliable and can be applied to animal experimental study.