Effects of electroacupuncture at GB points on markers of osteoporosis and bodyweight in ovariectomised rats.

Background: Based on a description of acupuncture to treat a bone disease resembling osteoporosis in the ancient text of Huangdi Neijing, we aimed to assess the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at GB points in ovariectomised (OVX) rats.

Methods: 40 female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10 each): ovariectomised model group (OVX); ovariectomised group treated with EA at GB points (OVX+GB); ovariectomised group treated with EA at non-GB points (OVX+N) in the hindlimb; and a sham surgery group (Sham). Three months after ovariectomy, rats in the OVX+GB and OVX+N groups received EA treatment for 3 months.

[Discussion on needling sensation, arrival of qi and needling response (Deqi)].

The current appointed teaching material of Science of Acupuncture and Moxibustion holds that there is no difference among the needling sensation, arrival of qi and needling response. However, the author has a different understanding. Therefore, Neijing (Internal Classic), its annotation, exposition and understandings of ancient and modern famous experts are cited to analyze their meanings.

Scalp acupuncture effects of stroke studied with magnetic resonance imaging: different actions in the two stroke model rats.

Background: Scalp acupuncture (SA) therapy on strokes has been empirically established and widely used in clinics in China. The evidence from clinical studies suggests that SA produces significant benefits for some patients with stroke.

Methods: The effect of scalp acupuncture was studied using MRI for two different stroke models: spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone (SHR-SP) rats and rats with transiently induced focal cerebral ischaemia by middle cerebral artery occlusion for 2 h (MCAO rats).

Study on the spatial distribution pattern of Cx40 gap junctions in the atria of patients with coronary heart disease.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between atrial fibrillation and atrial dilation and the spatial distribution pattern of connexin 40 in the atria of patients with coronary heart disease.

Methods: Twenty-six patients with coronary heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery for coronary artery bypass graft were investigated and were divided into three groups according to the left atrial size and rhythm, atrial fibrillation and left atrial dilatation (AF+AD), sinus rhythm and left atrial dilation (SR+AD) and sinus rhythm as control group SR. The spatial distribution patterns of Cx40 were evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy assay.