Objective To observe the effects of
acupuncture treatment on the levels of HPA axis related
hormones and
acupoint compatibility in
insomnia rats; To discuss the mechanism of action for
acupuncture treatment.
Methods Chlorophenylalanine
suspension was under
intraperitoneal injection to establish
insomnia model
rats. Sixty SD
rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Baihui+Shenmen group, Baihui+Sanyinjiao group, Baihui+non-
acupoint group, with 12
rats in each group. Each
treatment group received
acupuncture in relevant
acupoints, 30 min each
time, for 7 d.
ELISA was used to
measure the levels of CRH,
ACTH and CORT. Results Compared with the model group, the levels of CRH,
ACTH and CORT of the
acupuncture groups decreased to some extent. In the three
acupuncture groups, the
efficacy of Baihui+Shenmen group was better than that of Baihui+Sanyinjiao group and Baihui+non-non-
acupoint group. Conclusion
Acupuncture treatment may calm and soothe the nerves to release the
insomnia through regulating HPA axis related
hormones.
Acupuncture acupoints at different
meridians may be one of the factors that cause the difference of
acupoints compatibility effect.