Efficacy of Moxibustion Smoke for Stage 1 Post-Stroke Shoulder-Hand Syndrome: Protocol for a Multi-Center, Single-Blind Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of various levels of moxibustion smoke concentration (MSC), represented by particulate matter 10mm (PM10), on pain and motor dysfunction in patients with stage 1 post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS). Materials and Methods: In this multi-center, sham-controlled, single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT), a total of 140 eligible patients with stage 1 post-stroke SHS will be recruited from March 2022 to February 2023 and randomly allocated to five groups in a ratio of 1:1:1:1:1. Moxibustion, in addition to standard medical care, will be applied to subjects in all groups. No acupoints on the affected upper limb will be utilized. Moxibustion smoke therapy, with varying levels of MSC, will be applied to the five groups as follows: (A) sham control group, (B) zero MSC group, (C) low MSC group, (D) medium MSC group, and (E) high MSC group. Patients in each group will be treated for 20 minutes per session, with five sessions each week, over a course of six weeks, with a total follow-up interval of eight weeks. The primary outcome measure will be a visual analog scale (VAS) assessment of the intensity of regionalized pain in the affected upper limb. Secondary outcome measures will include scoring on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE), the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and the measurement of somatosensory evoked potential (SEP). All participants will be evaluated before treatment, during treatment (ie, at two weeks and four weeks), immediately after concluding treatment (ie, at six weeks) and at two weeks post-treatment (ie, at eight weeks). Intention-to-treat analysis will be applied. Trial Registration Number: ChiCTR2100043076.

[Comparison of effects of electroacupuncture at "Dachangshu" (BL 25) or "Tianshu" (ST 25) on visceral sensitivity, c-kit and TRPV1 of irritable bowel syndrome rats].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Dachangshu" (BL 25) or "Tianshu" (ST 25) for visceral sensitivity, gene expression product c-kit of colonic Cajal interstitial cells (ICC) and capsaicin receptor 1 (TRPV1) of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) rats, so as to investigate the effect and mechanism differences of EA at the back shu point and the front mu point of large intestine for IBS rats. METHODS: Forty-two Wistar neonatal rats were randomly divided into a blank group (9 rats) and a model group (33 rats). IBS model was established with mother and child separation, acetic acid enema in young rats and colorectal dilatation method. Twenty-seven IBS rats in life were randomly divided into a model control group, a Dachangshu group and a Tianshu group, 9 rats in each group. EA (disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz, 0.1-0.3 mA) for 20 min was used at "Dachangshu" (BL 25) and "Tianshu" (ST 25) respectively in the Dachangshu and Tianshu groups, once every other day, totally 5 times. The rats in the model control group were fixed with soft cloth sleeve for 20 min, without acupuncture. No intervention was used in the blank group. The stool property Bristol grading score was recorded before and after intervention in each group. The visceral sensitivity was evaluated by abdominal withdrawal reflex. The latency until the first systolic wave occurred and the number of systolic wave within 90 s were observed. Immunohistochemical was used to detect the positive expressions of c-kit and TRPV1, the ICC colon specific marker. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the Bristol score increased，latency period shortened, systolic wave number increased, c-kit and TRPV1 positive expressions increased in the model control group (all P<0.01). Compared with the model control group, the Bristol score decreased, latency period increased, systolic wave number decreased, c-kit and TRPV1 positive expressions decreased after intervention in the Dachangshu and Tianshu groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Dachangshu group, the TRPV1 positive expression decreased after intervention in the Tianshu group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA at "Dachangshu" (BL 25) or "Tianshu"(ST 25) can improve the diarrhea in IBS model rats, reduce the visceral sensitivity, and its mechanism may be related to regulating the expressions of colon c-kit and TRPV1. EA at "Tianshu" (ST 25) is more apparent for TRPV1 than at "Dachangshu" (BL 25).

Efficacy of moxibustion by stimulating acupoints of Danzhong (CV 17) and Ganshu (BL 18) on hyperplasia of mammary gland in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of moxibustion, through stimulating acupoints of Danzhong (CV 17) and Ganshu (BL 18) in rats with hyperplasia of mammary gland (HMG) which induced by estrogen and progestogen. METHODS: Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into saline control group, HMG model group, and HMG moxibustion group with 10 in each group. Saline control was the group injected by saline. HMG model were created by injection of estrogen and progestogen. Moxibustion group was also injected of estrogen and progestogen with moxibustion at the same time. The Changes of nipple diameter and height were measured. The rats' skin temperature was recorded by an infrared thermal camera at the nipples, mammary areas, Danzhong (CV 17) and Ganshu (BL 18). Pathological changes of mammary gland in rats were also observed under light microscope. RESULTS: The diameter and height of the nipples in model group were prominently bigger and higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). The diameter and height in moxibustion group were prominently smaller and lower than that in model group (P < 0.01), and there was no significant difference between moxibustion group and control group. Compared with control group, skin temperature of the nipples, mammary area, and acupoints Danzhong (CV 17) and Ganshu (BL 18) decreased prominently in model group (P < 0.01-0.05). Compared with model group, skin temperature of that in moxibustion group increased prominently (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment with moxibustion can effectively decrease the HMG rats' nipple diameter and height, and increase the skin temperature in HMG model rats at the nipples, mammary areas, Danzhong (CV 17) and Ganshu (BL 18). This study convinces the therapeutic effect of moxibustion on mammary gland hyperplasia.

[Effect of Electroacupuncture at "Yintang" (GV 29) and "Tianshu" (ST 25) on the Ethology and the Expression of TRPV 1 Receptor in Colon of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the ethology and expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1(TRPV 1) in colon of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) rats treated by electroacupuncture (EA) at "Yintang" (GV 29) and "Tianshu" (ST 25), so as to explore the different effectiveness of different acupoints and its related mechanism underlying improvement of the symptoms of somatopsychic illness. METHODS: Thirty-two neonatal Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, Yintang (GV 29) group, and Tianshu (ST 25) group (n=8 in each group). IBS model was established by neonatal maternal separation and acetic acid enema combined with colon and rectum expansion stimulation. Rats of the GV 29 and ST 25 groups were given EA treatment at age of 9 weeks old, 20 minutes, once every other day for 5 times. Latency of the 1st time contraction wave and numbers of contractive wave in 90 s were recorded to evaluate abdominal visceral sensitivity by abdominal withdrawal reflex. Horizontal and vertical movements were observed to assess the emotional and psychological behavior of rats by open field test. TRPV 1 expression in colon was detected by immunohistochemistry method. RESULTS: Compared with the black control group, latency of the 1st time contractive wave was significantly shortened and the wave numbers in 90 s were increased significantly in the model group (P<0.01), while the numbers of vertical and horizontal movements were also significantly reduced (P<0.01), accompanied with increased TRPV 1 expression in the colon (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, After EA intervention, the levels of the above-mentioned 5 indexes were significantly reversed in the GV 29 and ST 25 groups (P<0.01,P<0.05), except the number of horizontal movement in the ST 25 group (P>0.05). The expression level of TRPV 1 was significantly lower in the ST 25 group than in the GV 29 group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: EA at GV 29 and ST 25 can alleviate the abdominal pain and improve the mental and emotional disorders in IBS rats. GV 29 has a better effect on relieving the depressive-like psychoemotional behavior of IBS rats, while ST 25 is more effective in treating abdominal pain. There is significantly different influence on TRPV 1 expression in colon between these two treatment groups, which may contribute to their different effect in pain relieving.

Effects of acupuncture applied to sanyinjiao with different stimuli on uterine contraction and microcirculation in rats with dysmenorrhea of cold coagulation syndrome.

In this study, we try to evaluate the effects of acupuncture stimulation with different amounts at Sanyinjiao (SP6) on uterine contraction and uterus microcirculation in rats with dysmenorrhea of cold coagulation syndrome and to explore whether there is direct relativity between "De qi" and needle stimulus intensity. Diestrus female rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, including saline control group, model control group, "A" stimulus group (with strong stimulus), and "B" stimulus group (with weak stimulus). We found that dysmenorrhea rats of the cold coagulation syndrome present a high intensity in uterine tension and high contraction of microvascular diameter. Acupuncture applied with two different stimuli could relieve the symptoms, but, compared with "B" stimulus, "A" stimulus leads to better outcomes on reducing uterine contraction and increasing diameter of uterine microvascular; moreover, hand manipulation during needling mediates the curative effect on the microvascular diameter. Our finding indicates that using thick needles and deep insertion with hand manipulation are more effective and achieve desired level of "De qi" in dysmenorrhea rats.

Effects of preventive acupuncture and moxibustion on fat accumulation, blood lipid, and uterus e 2 of menopause rats.

Objective. To observe the effect of preventive acupuncture and moxibustion on blood lipid of menopause rats. Methods. Seventy 10-month-old SD rats with estrous cycle disorders were divided into three control groups and four treatment groups (n = 10/group) and another ten 3.5-month-old female SD rats were chosen as young control group. Preventive acupuncture and moxibustion were applied at Guanyuan (CV 4). Body weight growth rate has been recorded. Plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and uterus E 2 level were measured. Results. Compared to young control group, plasma TC and LDL increased and uterus E 2 reduced significantly in 12-month-old control group. Compared to 12-month-old control group, plasma TC and LDL level and body weight growth rate decreased while HDL level increased remarkably in preventive acupuncture 12-month-old group. Compared to 14-month-old control group, plasma TC level and body weight growth rate decreased remarkably in preventive moxibustion 14-month-old group. Conclusions. Preventive acupuncture and moxibustion can significantly decrease the plasma TG and LDL, increase the plasma HDL, and prevent fat accumulation. Our finding suggests that preventive acupuncture and moxibustion have beneficial effects on blood lipid. Different treatment effects were found between preventive acupuncture and preventive moxibustion.

The Effect of Acupuncture to SP6 on Skin Temperature Changes of SP6 and SP10: An Observation of "Deqi".

Background. Deqi sensation is a complex but an important component for acupuncture effect. In this study, we tried to observe the relationship between Deqi and skin temperature changes and whether there was some relativity between Deqi and needle stimulations on cold congealing and dysmenorrhea rat model. Thirty-two female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups (Saline Control Group, Model Group, Group A with strong stimulation, and Group B with small stimulation). Group A and Group B were performed with different stimulations. We found that, compared with saline control group, model group, and Group B, Group A showed that the skin temperature changes on right acupoint SP6 and SP10 increased significantly at 5 min-10 min interval. The skin temperature changes on left SP6 decreased at instant-5 min interval. The skin temperature changes on right SP10 decreased significantly at instant-5 min interval and 10 min-20 min interval. Thermogenic action along Spleen Meridian of Foot Greater Yin was manifested as simultaneous skin temperature increase on right SP6 and SP10 at 5 min-10 min interval after needling SP6, which was helpful to illustrate the relationship between the characteristic of Deqi and needle stimulations.

Acupuncture De-qi: From Characterization to Underlying Mechanism.

De-qi refers to the participant's subjective sensations and objective body responses as well as the acupuncturist's perceptions while the acupuncturist needles certain acupoints in the participant's body. In recent years, De-qi is getting increasing attention of the researchers and many efforts have been made to understand its mechanism. By the broad literature survey, this paper explores the subjective De-qi sensation of the patients, its influencing factors, and the resulting physiological responses. The purpose of this paper is expected to find out a possible mechanism of De-qi and to provide certain scientific evidence for acupuncture fundamental research and clinical practice.

[Correlation between acupoints and zang-fu organs based on clinical trials].

A systematic analysis was made on the correlation between acupoints and pathological changes of the zang-fu organs through reviewing of literatures in the database of CNKI from 1959--2011 and the database of Pubmed of the past 10 years. The result showed that specificity was found on the pathological changes of zang-fu organs when acupoints were stimulated. And the pathological changes of the internal organs can be perceived from acupoints on the correspondent meridians, mainly regarding the heart, the stomach, the intestines, the lung and the liver, etc. And most of the researches focused on the correlation between acupoints of the heat meridian and the heart. It was also discovered that a lot of acupoints on various meridians could manifest the pathological changes of the same organ. Different effects of the same acupoints on different times could be found on the same internal organ. Therefore, it is concluded that there is a relative specificity between acupoints and pathological changes of the zang-fu organs. However, it is worth to study the regularity of specificity further.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on pain reactions, expression of spinal kappa-opioid receptor and contents of enkephalin and beta-endorphin in periaqueductal gray of midbrain in dysmenorrhea model rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of kappa-opioid receptor in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and contents of enkephalin(ENK) and beta-endorphin (beta-EP) in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) of midbrain in dysmenorrheal rats, so as to reveal its underlying mechanism in relieving dysmenorrhea. METHODS: A total of 80 female SD rats were randomized into saline control (control), model, Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Xuanzhong (GB 39), non-acupoint groups (16 rats/group). Dysmenorrhea model was established by subcutaneous injection of estradiol benzoate (0.5 mg/rat on the 1st day and 10th day, 0.2 mg/rat from the 2nd day to the 9th day). One hour after the last injection, oxytocin (2 U/rat) was given intraperitoneally, for rats of the control group, the same dose of saline was given (i. p.). On the 10th day, EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 0.1-0.3 mA) was applied to "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), "Xuanzhong" (GB 39) and non-acupoint (the mid-point between the Stomach Meridian and Gallbladder Meridian, and in parallel with GB 39) for 20 min, respectively. Latency and number of writhing response, and writhing score (according to Schmauss's and Yaksh's method) were recorded. The expression of kappa-opioid receptor (kappa-OR) in T13, L1 , L2, L6 and S1 segments of spinal cord was determined by immunohistochemistry, and the contents of ENK and beta-EP in the midbrain PAG were assayed by ELISA. RESULTS: (1) Compared with the saline control group, the writhing latency of the model group was significantly shortened (P < 0.01), while the writhing times and writhing score of the model group were increased significantly (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the writhing latency of SP 6 group was significantly prolonged (P < 0.05), while the writhing scores and writhing times of the SP 6, GB 39 and the non-acupoint groups decreased significantly (P < 0.01). (2) In comparison with the control group, kappa-OR expression in the dorsal horn of L2 segment of spinal cord was upregulated significantly in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared to the model group, kappa-OR expression levels in the dorsal horns (DHs) of spinal T13, L1, L2, L6 and S1 segments in the SP 6 group were upregulated significantly (P < 0.01). ENK and beta-EP contents of PAG in the SP 6 and GB 39 groups were increased considerably (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The effects of SP 6 were significantly superior to those of GB 39 in upregulating kappa-OR expression of spinal L1, L2 and L6 DHs and in upregulating beta-EP content of PAG; and superior to non-acupoint in upregulating kappa-OR expression of spinal T13, L1, L2, L6 and S1 DHs and in increasing both ENK and beta-EP contents of PAG (P < 0.01, PF < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the non-acupoint group and the model group in writhing latency, kappa-OR expression levels of spinal T13, L1, L2 and S1 DHs, and in ENK and beta-EP contents of PAG (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA of SP 6 can significantly alleviate pain reactions in dysmenorrhea rats, which is closely associated with its functions in upregulating spinal kappa-OR expression and ENK and beta-EP contents in PAG. EA of SP 6, GB 39 and non-acupoint has some different degrees of efficacies in relieving dysmenorrhea and in upregulating spinal K-OR expression.

Effect of electro-acupuncture at different acupoints on neuropeptide and somatostatin in rat brain with irritable bowel syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the regulatory effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) at acupoints Zusanli (ST36) and Hegu (LI4) on the visceral hyper-sensitivity in the rat model of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and to explore the acting targets and specialty of acupoints. METHODS: Except 8 rats of the normal control group, the rest 32 rats were prepared to set up the IBS models. IBS animal model was prepared by enema with acetic acid. Model rats were divided into three groups. Except for rats in the model group for control, those in the other two groups were treated 20 min by EA on ST36 (EA-ST36) and LI4 (EA-LI4) respectively for 2 weeks to observe the effect on behavior response of viscera sensitivity. The changes of neuropeptide (NPY), the somatostatin (SS) levels in blood and tissues of brain and intestine were monitored as well. RESULTS: The volume thresholds for abdomen uplifting and back hunching were obviously increased after EA-ST36 (P<0.05), but showed insignificant change after EA-LI4. NPY contents lowered and SS contents increased in model rats; both EA-ST36 and EA-LI4 could raise the level of thalamic NPY (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively), but showed insignificant effects on NPY in colonic tissue. As for SS content, its colonic level could be reduced by EA-S36 and EA-LI4 (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively), however, its blood level was affected only by EA-ST36 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA-ST36 or EA-LI4 could regulate the NPY in thalamus and SS in colonic tissue, the former could affect blood level of SS as well. It is deemed that NPY and SS may be the key substances for regulating the action of acupuncture in the brain-intestinal axis; their different levels could be regarded as an indicator for the functional difference between the acupoints.

[Effect of electroacupuncture at different acupoints on plasma TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha), contents in dysmenorrhea rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on plasma thromboxane B2(TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha (6-keto-PGF1alpha) levels in dysmenorrhea rats in order to investigate its mechanism underlying relief of primary dysmenorrhea and specificity of acupoint efficacy. METHODS: Female SD rats with diestrus were randomly divided into saline control (control), model, EA Sanyinjiao (SP 6), EA Xuehai (SP 10), EA Xuanzhong (GB 39) and EA non-acupoint (NAP) groups, with 10 rats in each. Dysmenorrhea model was established by subcutaneous injection of Estradiol Benzoate (0.5 mg/rat on the 1st and 10th day, and 0.2 mg/rat from the 2nd to the 9th day) and intraperitoneal injection of Oxytocin (0.2 mL/rat, 1 h after last injection of Estradiol Benzoate on the 10th day). EA was applied to bilateral SP 6, SP 10, GB 39, and non-acupoint (the mid-point between the Gallbladder and Stomach meridian at the GB 39 level) for 20 min. The latency and score of writhing were recorded for 20 min. Plasma TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1alpha contents were detected by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the latency of writhing in the model group was shortened considerably (P < 0.01), and the writhing score was increased significantly (P < 0.01). In comparison with the model group, the writhing latency was increased significantly only in the EA-SP 6 group (P < 0.05), and the writhing scores in the EA-SP 6, EA-SP 10, EA-GB 39 and EA-NAP groups were reduced remarkably (P < 0.01). Plasma TXB2 content and the ratio of TXB2/6-keto-PGF1alpha. were significantly higher in the model group than in the control group (P < 0.01). Compared to the model group, plasma TXB2 levels and the ratios of TXB2/6-keto-PGF1alpha. in the EA-SP 6, EA-SP 10, EA-GB 39 and EA-NAP groups were downregulated markedly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while plasma 6-keto-PGF1alpha was upregulated strikingly only in the EA-SP 6 group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found among the EA-SP 6, EA-SP 10, EA-GB 39 and EA-NAP groups in the writhing latency and writhing score, plasma TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1alpha, levels (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA can relieve pain reaction in dysmenorrhea rats, which may be closely associated with its effects in downregulating plasma TXB2, upregulating plasma 6-keto-PGF1alpha, content, and balancing plasma TXB2/6-keto-PGF1alpha. The effect of EA of SP 6 is relatively better.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on the uterine microcirculation in dysmenorrhea rats].

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on uterine microcirculation in dysmenorrhea rats so as to investigate its mechanism underlying relieving primary dysmenorrheal (PD). METHODS: Female SD rats undergoing diestrus were randomly divided into saline control, model, Sanyinjiao(SP 6), Xuanzhong(GB 39) and non-acupoint groups, with 6 rats in each. PD model was established by subcutaneous injection of estradiol benzoate for 10 days and intra-peritoneal injection of oxytocin (2 U) 1 h after the last estradiol injection. EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 1- 1.5 mA) was applied to the above-mentioned acupoints and non-acupoint area for 20 minutes. Numbers and diameters of the uterine microvessels (11-100 microm) and capillaries (< or =10 microm), and the state of the uterine microcirculation were observed by using a Cold Light Microcirculation Detector. RESULTS: In comparison with the saline control group, the numbers and diameters of uterine microvessels and capillaries at the corresponding time-points 5 min, 10 min and 20 min were decreased significantly in the model group (P<0. 05,P<0. 01). While compared with the model group, the numbers and diameters of uterine microvessels and capillaries at 20 min after EA in the SP 6 group were increased significantly (P<0. 05). The diameter of uterus capillaries of SP 6 group was significantly bigger than that of the non-acupoint group at the time-point 20 min (P<0. 05). No significant differences were found among the SP 6, GB 39 and non-acupoint groups in the diameter of uterine microvessels (P>0. 05). CONCLUSION: EA of SP 6 can effectively increase the number of uterine microvessels and capillaries and the diameter of the uterine microvessels and capillaries in PD rats, which may contribute to its effect in relieving dysmenorrhea by improving uterine microcirculation.

[Effect of moxibustion on hepatic glycogen and ultrastructure of exercise-induced fatigue rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion of "Zusanli" (ST 36) on hepatic glycogen-level and ultrastructure changes in exercise-induced fatigue rats. METHODS: Thirty-three SD rats were randomly and equally divided into control, model and moxibustion groups. The fatigue model was established by forcing the rat to have a loaded exhaustion swim, once daily for 21 days. Moxibustion was applied to bilateral "Zusanli" for about 30 min, once every other day for 11 times. The hepatic glycogen content was detected by chromatometry and the hepatic ultrastructure was observed by using transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: The hepatic glycogen content in the fatigue model group decreased significantly compared with the control group(P<0. 01), and that in the moxibustion group was increased significantly compared with the model group(P<0. 05). Under transmission electron microscope , it was found that the glycogen in the hypatocytes of the model was decreased and the ultrastructure of mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum was unclear in outline. In moxibustion group, more glycogen granules were found in hepatocytes, and the structure of mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum was basically clear. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion may increase hepatic glycogen content and improve ultrastructure of hypatocytes in fatigue rats, which may be part of its mechanism underlying relieving exercise-induced fatigue.

[Effects of instant electroacupuncture at the different acupoints on IP3 in the uterus tissue of dysmenorrhea model rats].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of instant electroacupuncture (EA) at the different acupoints on IP3 in the uterus tissue of dysmenorrhea model rats so as to investigate the specificity of acupoints. METHODS: Fifty female SD rats were randomly divided into a saline group, a model group, a Sanyinjiao (SF 6) group, a Xuehai (SP 10) group and a Hegu (LI 4) group, 10 rats in each group. The rats were given subcutaneous injection of Estradiol Beozoate injection for 10 consecutive days except those in the saline group, and intraperitoneal injection of 2U Oxytocin at 1 h after the last administration to create the dysmenorrhea rats model, and the saline group was given the same dose of saline every day. On the 10th day the rats in each EA group were given EA 20 min, and the rats in the saline group and model group were bound 20 min, and the writhing response was observed at the same time. The uterine IP3 contents were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS: (1) Compared with (0.311+/- 0.253) in the saline group, the writhing scores per minute of (5.867 +/- 3.442) in the model group and (2.311 +/- 0.957) in the Xuehai (SP 10) group were both increased significantly (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and (1.833 +/- 1.355) in the Sanyinjiao (SP 6) group and (0.743 +/- 0.306) in the Hegu (LI 4) group showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Compared with that in the model group, the writhing scores per minute decreased significantly (all P < 0.01) in all the EA groups, with no significant differences among all the EA groups (all P > 0.05). (2) Compared with (2.698 +/- 1.491) ng/mg in the saline group, IP3 contents of the uterus of (0.813 +/- 0.899) ng/mg in the model group, (1.740 +/- 0.375) ng/mg in the Sanyinjiao (SP 6) group and (0.692 +/- 0.212) ng/mg in the Hegu (LI 4) group were all lower significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and (0.743+/- 0.306) ng/mg in the Xuehai (SP 10) group showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Compared with that in the model group, IP3 content of the uterus in the Hegu (LI 4) group showed no significant difference (P > 0.05), and those in the Sanyinjiao (SP 6) group and in the Xuehai (SP 10) group increased significantly (both P < 0 05), which were significantly higher than that in the Hegu (II 4) group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: There are no significant differences among the instant EA groups in improving the dysmenorrhea symptoms, but there is obvious specificity of acupoint effects in the regulation of IP3. Electroacupuncture at "Sanyinjiao (SP 6) " Xuehai (SP 10)" has more marked effect in dysmenorrhea model rats.

[Comparative study on the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture at "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Xuehai" (SP 10) in dysmenorrhea rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe and compare the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Sanyinjiso" (SP 6), "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Xuehai" (SP 10) in dysmenorrhea rats so as to investigate the functional specificity of acupoint. METHODS: One hundred SD female rats aged three-month-old in the diestrus examined by the vaginal smear screening were randomly divided into a saline group, a model group, a Sanyinjiao (SF 6) group, a Hegu (LI 4) group and a Xuehai (SF 10) group, 20 rats in each group. The rats in the last four groups were given Estradiol Benzoate combined with Oxytocin to prepare the models of dysmenorrhea and in the saline group were given the same dose of saline. Last three groups were treated with electroacupuncture (EA) at Sanyinjiao" (SF 6), "Hegu" (LI 4) and 'Xuehai" (SF 10) respectively. The writhing behaviors of the rats in each group were observed within 20 min performing electroacupuncture from the start of the pain and the waveforms of uterine contraction were recorded. RESULTS: In terms of the writhing behaviors, the writhing latency in the Hegu (LI 4) group was extended significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and the writhing numbers in the Hegu (LI 4) group were decreased significantly (both P < 0.05) as compared with those in the Sanyinjiao (SF 6) group and in the Xuehai (SF 10) group. In terms of the waveforms of uterine contraction, compared with that in the model group, the amplitude and the activity of uterine contraction in both Sanyinjiao (SF 6) group and Hegu (LI 4) group were decreased significantly (all P < 0.05), and with no significant difference between the Xuehai (SF 10) and the model group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: For comprehensive assessment of the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture at different acupoints by using the writhing behaviors and the waveforms of uterine contraction, "Hegu" (LI 4) is the best, "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) is the next and "Xuehai" (SP 10) is the third. showing a relatively functional specificity of the acupoint.

[Effect of preventive moxibustion on heat shock proteins and stress hormones in natural menopausal rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of preventive moxibustion at the acupoint of 'Guanyuan" (CV 4) on the stress-related hormones, proteins and genes in natural menopausal rats, and explore its protective mechanism. METHODS: One hundred and twenty eight healthy female SD rats were used in this study, in which 16 rats aged 4 months were used as normal control group, the rest 10-month-old rats with disorder of estrus cycle were randomly divided into 7 groups, including 4 control groups at the age of 10, 12, 14 and 16 months, and 3 preventive moxibustion groups at the age of 12, 14 and 16 months, 16 cases in each group. The 10-month-old rats were treated with preventive moxibustion at the acupoint of "Guanyuan" (CV 4), twice a week for 8 weeks consistently, then observed on the following 12, 14 and 16 months. Its effects on the level of heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70), heat shock protein 70 mRNA (HSP 70 mRNA), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), beta-endorphin (beta-EP), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) in the different nuclei of hypothalamus were examined with radio-immunity, immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization methods. RESULTS: In the control groups, the expression of HSP 70 and HSP 70 mRNA was increased in paraventricular, arcuate and supraoptic nucleus, the level of CRH, beta-EP was showed with declining trend in volatility, while the content of ACTH was increased. In comparison to the same-aged control groups, the preventive moxibustion groups were showed that the expression of HSP 70 in the 14-month-old group was lower and the expression of HSP 70 mRNA in the 12 and 16-month-old group was significantly higher in the paraventricular nucleus (all P < 0.05), the expression of HSP 70 in the 12 and 14-month-old groups and HSP 70 mRNA in the 12-month-old group was significantly increased in the arcuate nucleus (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while the expression of HSP 70 in the 14-month-old group and HSP 70 mRNA in the 12 and 16-month-old group was significantly decreased in the supraoptic nucleus (all P < 0.05), the content of CRH and ACTH decreased significantly in 14-month group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), but the content of beta-EP obviously went up in the 12-month-old group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preventive moxibustion at the acupoint of "Guanyuan" (CV 4) can regulate the expression of stress proteins, genes and hormones in the hypothalamus for the natural menopausal rats, which might be playing a protective role.

[Effects of electroacupuncture of "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) on contents of MDA and beta-EP, and expression of HSP 70 in the uterus in rats with dysmenorrhea].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) on the uterus in dysmenorrhea rats so as to study its underlying analgesic mechanism. METHODS: A total of 48 SD rats during diestrus were randomized into normal saline (control) group, model group and acupuncture group according to a random number table, with 16 rats in each group. Dysmenorrhea model was established by subcutaneous injection of Estradiol benzoate (0.5 mg/d on the 1st and 10th day, and 0.2 mg/d from day 2 to day 9, once daily for 10 days) and oxytocin (2 U/rat, once on day 10). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and beta-endorphin (beta-EP) contents in the uterus were detected by radioimmunoassay, and the heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) immunoactivity of the uterus was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In comparison with the control group, MDA content in the uterus was increased significantly in the model group (P < 0.01), while the beta-EP level and the immunoactivity of HSP 70 immune-reaction (IR) positive products in the uterus decrease significantly (P < 0.01) and moderately, respectively in the model group. In comparison with the model group, uterine MDA content in the EA group was decreased significantly (P < 0.01), while uterine beta-EP level increased considerably (P < 0.01) and HSP 70 expression was upregulated to a certain degree. CONCLUSION: EA of "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) can reduce MDA content and upregulate beta-EP level of the uterus in rats with dysmenorrhea, which may contribute to its analgesic effect in relieving dysmenorrhea by clearing away oxygen free radicals and raising analgesic substance in the uterus.

[Influence of electroacupuncture of "Dazhui" (GV 14) "Mingmen" (GV 4) and non-acupoint on the inflammation and immune reactions in adjuvant arthritis rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the levels of lymphocyte proliferation rate, spleen and serum interleukin-2 (IL-2), serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), so as to analyze its immuno-regulative function in adjuvant arthritis (AA) rats. METHODS: A total of 40 Wistar rats were randomized into normal control, model, Dazhui (GV 14), Mingmen (GV 4) and non-acupoint groups. Adjuvant arthritis model was established by subcutaneous injection of Freund's complete adjuvant into the paw. EA was applied to "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Mingmen" (GV 4) and non-acupoint (mid-tail) for 20 min, once every other day, 8 times altogether. Paw volume (swelling degree of the voix pedis) was detected; T and B lymphocyte transformation rates (LTR), and IL-2 activity of the spleen tissue were assayed with MTT chromatometry, and serum IL-2 and TNF-alpha contents were determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Compared to normal group, the paw volume and serum TNF-alpha content of model group increased significantly (P < 0:01, P < 0.05), and T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation rates and spleen IL-2 activity in model group decreased considerably (P < 0.01). In comparison with model group, paw volumes of GV 14, GV 4, and non-acupoint groups and serum TNF-alpha content of GV 14 group lowered significantly (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); while T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation rates, spleen IL-2 activity in GV 14, GV 4, and non-acupoint groups, as well as serum IL-2 content in GV 14 and GV 4 groups increased remarkably (P < 0.01). Paw volumes of both GV 14 and GV 4 groups were significantly lower than that of non-acupoint group (P < 0.05); T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation rates and IL-2 activity of GV 4 group were significantly higher than those of non-acupoint group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between GV 14 and GV 4 groups in paw volume, T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation rates, spleen IL-2 activity, serum IL-2 and TNF-alpha contents, and between GV 14 and non-acupoint groups in T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation rates, as well as among GV 14, GV 4 and non-acupoint groups in serum IL-2 and TNF-alpha contents (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture of GV 14 and GV 4 induced immunoregulation on lymphocyte, IL-2 and TNF-alpha may contribute to its anti-inflammation effect in AA rats.