[Does the Nucleus Ambiguus-Vague Nerve Mediate Anti-myocardial Ischemic Effect of Electroacupuncture of "Neiguan" (PC 6)-"Jianshi" (PC 7) in Myocardial Ischemia Rats].

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of "Neiguan" (PC 6)-"Jianshi" (PC 7) on ischemic myocardial injury in myocardial ischemic (MI) rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of MI.

Methods: A total of 48 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal, MI model, PC 6-PC 7, Sanyinjiao-Diji (SP 6-SP 8) groups (=8 in each group for physiological experiments, =4 in each group for immunoflorescence stain). The MI model was established by occlusion of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery.

Involvement of hippocampal acetylcholinergic receptors in electroacupuncture analgesia in neuropathic pain rats.

Background: Cumulating evidence has shown a close correlation between electroacupuncture stimulation (EAS) frequency-specific analgesic effect and central opioid peptides. However, the actions of hippocampal acetylcholinergic receptors have not been determined. This study aims to observe the effect of different frequencies of EAS on the expression of hippocampal muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholinergic receptors (mAChRs, nAChRs) in neuropathic pain rats for revealing their relationship.

Cerebral blood flow-based evidence for mechanisms of low- versus high-frequency transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation analgesia: a perfusion fMRI study in humans.

Brain activities in response to acupuncture have been investigated in multiple studies; however, the neuromechanisms of low- and high-frequency transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS) analgesia are unclear. This work aimed to investigate how brain activity and the analgesic effect changed across 30-min low- versus high-frequency TEAS. Forty-six subjects received a 30-min 2, 100-Hz TEAS or mock TEAS (MTEAS) treatment on both behavior test and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan days.

[Analysis on Qijie (pathway of qi) theory of acupuncturology].

In order to clarify the connotation and academic significance of the term Qijie (pathway of qi) in Chinese medicine, the author of the present article collected related ancient literature and made a theoretical analysis on its concept, its relevance to the content of Sihai (four seas i.e.: 1) the brain, the sea of marrow, 2) Danzhong, the sea of qi; 3) stomach: the sea of water and food; 4) Chongmai, the sea of the 12 meridians), its related application and the evolution of the relationship between acupoints and their subordinated meridian.

[Effects of electroacupuncture of "Guanyuan" (CV 4)-"Zhongji" (CV 3) on ovarian P450 arom and P450c 17alpha expression and relevant sex hormone levels in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome].

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on ovarian P 450 arom and P 450 c 17 alpha (aromatases) expression and related sex hormone levels in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rats.

Methods: Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group and EA group (10 rats/group). PCOS model was made by intragastric administration of letrozole at 1 mg/kg per day for consecutive 21 days.

[Experimental study on functional connection between the lung and large intestine meridians in the rat: cross-talk between the lung and large intestine meridians].

Objective: According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine about "close association between the lung and the large intestine", the present study was designed to investigate the functional relationship between the Lung and Large Intestine Meridians and the colorectum by using electrophysiological methods.

Methods: A total of 40 SD rats were used in the present study. Under anesthesia, the cardiopulmonary branch of the left sympathetic nerve (CPSN) was separated for recording the electrical activities with a pair of platinum wire electrodes.

[Segmental and regional distribution of neurons and their axonal projection associated with acupoint "yongquan" (KI 1) in the rat: cholera toxin subunit B method].

Objective: To observe the distribution of neurons and their axonal projection associated with "Yongquan" (KI 1) area by neural tracing technique with cholera toxin subunit B (CTB).

Methods: A total of 5 microL of 1% CTB solution was injected into the front central part of hind foot plantar (corresponding to the KI 1 region in the human body) using a Hamilton microsyringe. After 3 survival days, the rats were deeply anesthetized and transcardically perfused for collecting the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), spinal cord and brain tissues.

Effect of Electroacupuncture Intervention on Expression of CGRP, SP, COX-1, and PGE2 of Dorsal Portion of the Cervical Spinal Cord in Rats with Neck-Incision Pain.

The present study was aimed to determine if cervicospinal substance P (SP) and its neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were involved in electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia in neck-incision pain rats. EA intervention was applied to bilateral Futu (LI18), Hegu (LI4)-Neiguan (PC6), and Zusanli (ST36)-Yanglingquan (GB34) for 30 min. Cervicospinal SP and CGRP immunoactivity was detected by immunofluorescence technique, NK-1R and COX-1 protein and mRNA expression levels were determined using Western blot and real-time PCR, respectively, and PGE2 content was measured using ELISA.

[Optimized schemes for acupuncture treatment of migraine during attack].

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture (EA), auricular acupuncture and bloodletting therapies combined with orthogonal design for migraine patients, so as to select a better scheme for relieving headache.

Methods: total of 76 migraine patients in the stage of attack were recruited in the present study and randomly (stratified random and central random) allocated to 9 groups by means of orthogonal experimental design [L9 (3(4)), 4 factors (F) and three levels (L)] i.e.

[Involvement of hippocampal NO/PKG signaling pathway in the accumulative analgesic effect of electroacupuncture stimulation of "Zusanli" (ST 36)-"Yanglingquan"(GB 34) in chronic neuropathic pain rats].

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Zusanli"(ST 36)-"Yanglingquan"(GB 34) on pain behavior and expression of hippocampal neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) mRNA in rats with chronic neuropathic pain so as to analyze its mechanism underlying analgesia.

Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, CCI model, EA-2 Hz, EA-2 Hz/15 Hz, EA-100 Hz groups, with 8 cases in each group. Chronic neuropathic pain model was established by ligature of the left sciatic nerve under anesthesia (Urethane + Alpha-Chloralose) except rats in the control group.

[Effects of weizhong (BL 40) area scraping on blood perfusion level of the skin microcirculation of qihaishu (BL 24) region at the ipsilateral back of the volunteer's body].

Objective: To observe the effect of Guasha (scraping) of Weizhong (BL 40) on the cutaneous blood perfusion of Qihaishu (BL 24) region of the Bladder Meridian on the back.

Methods: Ten healthy volunteer subjects were recuited in the present study. Weizhong (BL 40, at the politeal fossa) area was repeatedly scraped till regional flush using a cornu bubali scraping plate for 5 min after applying scraping oil to the regional skin.

[Electroacupuncture intervention improved changes of skin barrier and color in type 2 diabetes rats].

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of auricular concha region (ACR), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao"(SP 6) on abnormal skin barrier and color in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T 2 DM) rats so as to find a better therapeutic method.

Methods: Fifty male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into control (n = 10), model (n = 13), EA-ST 36-SP 6 (n = 14) and EA-ACR (n = 13) groups. T 2 DM model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1% STZ (50 mg/kg) and by feeding the animals with high-fat diet for 30 days.

[Analysis on shortcomings or insufficiencies of some manuscripts for publication in acupuncture research].

Based on the manuscripts delivered to Acupuncture Research, the author of the present paper analyzes some current shortcomings existing in scientific research work of acu-moxibustion. The main shortcomings are 1) insufficient experimental design, 2)inopportune intervention time, 3) indexes unable to explain the underlying mechanism of therapeutic effects, 4) unfounded exaggeration of the roles of acu-moxibustion therapy, and 5) improper conclusion. In addition, the author gives some typical examples to show these shortcomings or insufficiencies, so as to provide references for researchers in avoiding some defects in experimental designs and in giving reasonable explanations about their research findings in the future.

[Effects of transcutaneous electrostimulation of auricular concha at different stimulating frequencies and duration on acute seizures in epilepsy rats].

Objective: To observe the inhibitory effect of auricular concha transcutaneous electrostimulation (ACTES) of different frequencies and duration on acute seizures in epilepsy rats so as to select a better stimulating parameter for relieving epilepsy.

Methods: According to the stimulation duration of ACTES, 44 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into: 30 s, 5 min, 10 min, and 30 min groups. Epilepsy model was duplicated by intraperitoneal injection of PTZ (pentylenetetrazol, 50 mg/kg).

Correlation between the cumulative analgesic effect of electroacupuncture intervention and synaptic plasticity of hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus neurons in rats with sciatica.

In the present study, a rat model of chronic neuropathic pain was established by ligation of the sciatic nerve and a model of learning and memory impairment was established by ovariectomy to investigate the analgesic effect of repeated electroacupuncture stimulation at bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Yanglingquan (GB34). In addition, associated synaptic changes in neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus were examined. Results indicate that the thermal pain threshold (paw withdrawal latency) was significantly increased in rats subjected to 2-week electroacupuncture intervention compared with 2-day electroacupuncture, but the analgesic effect was weakened remarkably in ovariectomized rats with chronic constrictive injury.

[Effect of electroacupuncture at different acupoints on expression of cervico-spinal GDNF and BDNF and their receptor genes in neck-incision pain rats].

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Futu" (LI 18), etc. on the expression of genes of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and their receptors in the cervico-spinal cord in neck-incision pain rats, so as to study its mechanism underlying incision-pain relief.

Methods: A total of 50 Sprague Dawley male rats were randomly divided into normal, model (incision pain), EA-Futu (LI 18), EA- Hegu (LI 4) - Neiguan (PC 6, LI 4-PC 6) and EA-Zusanli (ST 36)-Yanglingquan (GB 34, ST 36-GB 34) groups (n = 10/group).

[Analysis on research projects for acupuncture and moxibustion supported by NSFC during the 11th 5-year-plan].

In the present paper, the authors introduce the approved and finished research projects for acupuncture and moxibustion therapies supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) during the 11th 5-year-plan. A total of 194 research projects were subsidized by NSFC from 2006 to 2010. These projects include 6 aspects: meridian-collaterals, acupoint theory, acupuncture analgesia, mechanisms underlying improvement of different clinical problems, clinical trials, and moxibustion therapy.

Analysis on interrelation between electroacupuncture-induced cumulative analgesic effect and hypothalamic cholinergic activities in chronic neuropathic pain rats.

Objective: To observe the effects of repeated electroacupuncture (EA) of Zusanli (ST36)- Yanglingquan (GB34) on hypothalamic acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and vesicular acetylcholine (ACh) transporter (VAChT) activities and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) mRNA and muscarinic M1 receptor (M1R) mRNA expression in chronic constrictive injury (CCI) and/or ovariectomy (OVX) rats so as to reveal its underlying mechanism in cumulative analgesia.

Methods: A total of 103 female Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control (n =15), CCI (n =15), CCI+EA2d (n =15), CCI+EA2W (n =15), OVX+CCI =13), OVX+CCI+EA2d (n =15), and OVX+CCI+EA2W groups (n =15). CCI model was established by ligature of the unilateral sciatic nerve with surgical suture.

[Progress of researches on involvement of serotonin in the central nervous system in acupuncture analgesia and other effects].

As for an important central regulatory neurotransmitter involving acupuncture effect, serotonin (5-HT) is worthy of being paid with more attention. In the present paper, the authors review development of researches on the involvement of 5-HT and its receptor subunits in pain perception, acupuncture analgesia, and other effects of acupuncture (anti-depression, weight-reduction, etc.).

[Effect of electroacupuncture on electrical activities of pressor reflex related neurons in the nucleus of tractus solitarii (NTS) in rats].

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of auricular point "Xin" (Heart), "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) on electrical activities of the presser reflex-related neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) in rats.

Methods: A total of 47 SD rats were used in the present study. Extracellular electrical activities of neurons in the NTS (AP: 1.

[Effects of electroacupuncture at "Futu"(LI 18), etc. on pain threshold and cervico-spinal mGlu receptor 5/cAmp/CREB signaling in rats with neck incision pain].

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Futu" (LI 18),etc. on the pain threshold and expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR 5), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) genes in the cervico-spinal dorsal region in rats with neck incision pain so as to analyze its underlying analgesic mechanism in performing thyroid surgery.

Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, model, Futu (LI 18), Hegu (LI 4)-Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanli (ST 36)-Yanglingquan (GB 34) groups, with 8 cases in each group.

[Current state of clinical application of acupuncture therapy in maternity department in countries outside China].

In the present review, the authors sumarrize current situations about application of acupuncture and moxibustion therapies in the maternity department in countries outside China in accordance with 68 articles in English published from 2000 to 2011. The clinical application includes: 1) dilivery processing, 2) lumbo-sacrodynia, 3) dilivery pain, 4) pregnancy problems, 5) problems of post-dilivery, 6) conversion of fetal breech presentation, 7) nausea and vomitting during early pregnancy, 8) safety, 9) depression during pregnancy, and 10) blood supply of fetus. In addition, the retrieved papers include 13 review papers, 4 survey papers and one animal study.

[Effect of electroacupuncture stimulation of auricular concha region at different time-points on behavior changes in depression rats].

Unlabelled: OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of auricular concha region (ACR) on behavior changes of depression rats.

Methods: A total of 80 male Wistar rats were randomized into depression model (model, n = 6), EA-ACR (n = 12), preventive EA-ACR (Pre-EA-ACR, n = 11) and EA-ear-tip (n = 12) groups. Depression model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress for 21 days and isolated breeding.

[Effects of electroacupuncture of "Futu" (LI 18), etc. on pain behavior and expression of GABA receptor subunit genes in cervical spinal cord in rats with thyroid regional pain].

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at different acupoints on the expression of gamma aminobutyric (GABA) receptor (R) subunit genes in the cervical spinal cord in rats with thyroid regional inflammatory pain so as to analyze its analgesic mechanism for thyroid surgery.

Methods: A total of 50 Wistar rats were randomized into control, model, Futu (LI 18), Hegu (LI 4)-Neiguan (PC 6, LI 4-PC 6), Zusanli (ST 36)-Yanglingquan (GB 34, ST 36-GB 34) groups, with 10 rats in each group. Thyroid regional pain model was established by subcutaneous injection of 2.

[Research on basic questions of intellectual property rights of acupuncture and moxibustion].

Along with the modernization and internationalization of acupuncture-moxibustion (acu-moxibustion), the issue of intellectual property rights has been becoming prominent and remarkable increasingly. In the present paper, the authors explain the basic issues of acu-moxibustion learning from the concept, scope, subject, object, contents and acquisition way of intellectual property rights. To make clear these questions will help us inherit and carry forward the existing civilization achievements of acu-moxibustion, and unceasingly bring forth new ideas and further improvement in clinical application, so as to serve the people's health in a better way.