A new way for study of meridian essence / 中国针灸

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore a new way for study of meridian essence.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Review and analyze survey of studies of meridian essence at home and abroad in the last 20 years, and introduce structural characteristics and function of the gap junction channels, hemichannels as well as some similarities with meridians.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The effects of acupuncture are related with the nerve system, endocrine system, immune system, connective tissue, and so on. Homocellular and/or heterocellular gap junction channels, hemichannels between the heterocells and homocells may be the structural substance by which mechanical signals similar to acupuncture can be translated into bioelectrical and/or biochemical signals.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The effects of acupuncture are comprehensive response of the nerve system, blood vessel system, endocrine system and immune system and other systems with the gap junction channels and hemichannel of high density as substance basis and the fluid between cells and tissues as the buffer system.</p>