Effect Of Acupuncture On The Rate Of Cell-Electrophoresis Of The Rbc

Zheng Rongrong, Lin Yagu (Shanghai Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Cell membranes play a central role in the organization of living cells, and are important structures for living bodies. They show distinctive and vital functions, such as selective permeability, osmosis of materials, active transportation, combating infection and immunization and so on. These functions directly relate to the molecular structure in cell surfaces, especially in relation with the density of surface electro-charges of cells. What is the effect of acupuncture on the density of these charges of red cells? We have not seen any report on this subject. The following are our experiments.

84 rabbits weighing about 2.5 kg were chosen. A small amount of blood was taken directly from heart puncture (both arterial and venous blood), and a drop of blood was diluted to the buffer solution of 9% pH 7.2 sucrose, to determine the rate of cell-electrophoresis, µ; and to calculate the density of surface electro-charges on the red cell, ë, by the formula ë = 3.53 X 10{4}  sin h X 0.039 s. Animals were treated with acupuncture. A series of moderate diagonal shaped impulses (out-put voltage 5 volts) was applied on both sides of acupoint "Zusanli". Determine the cell electrophoresis rate before and after acupuncture, and throughout the acupuncture period, and observe the physiological pattern in the controls throughout 24 hours. We found the following results:

1. After 30 minutes acupuncture on "Zusanli" of both legs, the effect on the density of surface electro-charges of the red cells is obvious. µ and ë values before and after acupuncture are changed apparently, P<0.001.

2. Under general anesthesia both sciatic nerves were cut off and there was no evident effect on the density of charges. Then acupuncture and compare the effect with that of 60 minutes after the anesthesia and cut off sciatic. The acupuncture also has an effect. The maximum effect is at 30 minutes after commencement of acupuncture, P<0.001; after 60 minutes the effect is decreased, P<0.5; 60 minutes after cessation of acupuncture the effect disappeared, P>0.5.

3. With a same strength of stimulation, we applied acupuncture for 120 minutes continually and found that at about 30 minutes the effect on ë and µ were prominent, P<0.001; at 60 minutes the effect decreased, 0.01<P<0.05; at 120 minutes the effect apparently disappeared, 0.5>P>0.3. An effective peak is reached at 60 minutes, and this accords with the pain suppression effect of acupuncture analgesia as seen in the clinic, which also shows an effective peak at 60 minutes.

4. 60 minutes after commencement of acupuncture, the first effective peak decreased. Then with a change of the strength and of the frequency of stimulation there appeared a second effective peak after 30 minutes of the stimulation, and 120 minutes after the effect it went down. This shows that a change in the stimulation pattern can be an important way to elevate the efficacy of acupuncture analgesia.

5. In physiological condition, in the control animals we observed the density of the surface charges, ë, and the cell-electrophoresis rate, µ. Three small peaks appeared at 12:30 of the noontide, at 7:30 p.m. and at 10:30 p.m. But these variations have no biological statistical significance, P>0.3 -- 0.5. Here, we believe that the effect of acupuncture on the density of the surface electro-charges of red cells is objectively present.

RESEARCH ON THE MECHANISMS OF ANALGESIC AND OTHER EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION

Preliminary Observations On The Changes Of Slow Potentials Of Cerebral Cortex Induced By Acupuncture And Pain

Wang Boyang, Yang Boyi, Jiang Deming (Department of Biology, Fudan University)

In the field of research on the mechanism of acupuncture analgesia, a lot of works have been done by means of electrophysiological methods concerned in the speedy events of the nervous system. Nevertheless, in accordance with the fact that there is the necessity of inducing period and its after effect of acupuncture, it is reasonably to consider that there would be slow electrical events existed also in the central nervous system during acupuncture. This report is the preliminary observations about this field.

The quasi-steady potential and the infra-slow potential oscillation have been recorded from the curarized rabbits' cerebral cortex by means of non-polarized electrodes (silver/silver chloride or calomel). Two recording electrodes are placed ipsilaterally or contralaterally on the dura of the cerebral hemispheral 1 cm away from one another, the reference electrode is placed on the spongy bone before the orbit.

The potentials led from the two recording electrodes are amplified simultaneously by a preamplifier and oscilloscope system with a time constant of about 6 sec. and recorded by a camera with film speed of 5 mm/min. The point "Zusanli" is needled by hand manipulation, or an electric stimulator (BT-701) sending out pulsating current to the points "Zusanli" and "Shangjuxu" is used as a substitute for hand manipulation of the needles. To pinch the nasal septum or smear alcohol on the wound is used as pain stimulation.

The results obtained are as follows:

1. The quasi-steady potential shifted in positive direction as the animal to be acupuncture, and shifted in negative direction during "pain" stimulation. The time course of changes is slow and the potential doesn't maintain in a higher level as with prolonged stimulation, but returns to the initial level slowly. The amplitude of the shifts is about 200-400µV rarely more than 1 mV.

2. In the case of the appearance of infra-slow potential oscillation, the decrement of amplitude of oscillation could be induced by "pain" stimulation or acupuncture.

3. No phenomena as well as spreading depression could be detected either during acupuncture or "pain" stimulation.

4. Evidence has been made to show that the slow potential observed is not attributable to the changes of blod pressure, but directly to the acupuncture.

Effect Of Electro-Acupuncture On Cortical Potential Evoked By Stimulation Of Saphenous Nerve

Acupuncture Anesthesia Research Group Zhongshan Medical College

Experiments were performed on cats anesthetized with chloralose. The saphenous nerve was stimulated with the rectangular wave pulses of different strength. They induced the excitation of different kinds of nerve fibers. The cortical evoked potentials were recorded with a silver ball electrode on the surface of contralateral somato-sensory area I, in order to study the relationship between the component of evoked-potential and the fiber excitation and the pain. At last, the effect of electro-acupuncture was examinated.

1. The cortical evoked potential during excitation of A-fiber: When the saphenous nerve was stimulated by weak pulse current, the A-fibers excited alone. At this time, a biphasic positive-negative evoked potential appeared on the contralateral cortical somatosensory area I, Its latency was short (11-14 mSec), The positive  phase was larger than the negative. The amplitude was 350 -- 1000µV. The duration was 23 -- 35 mSec. It was a rapid component.

2. The cortical evoked potential during excitation of A- and C-fibers: When the sapheneous nerve was stimulated by more intense pulse current, both A- and C-fibers were excited. At this time, the cortical evoked potential expressed a rapid component with short latency and a slow component with long latency (150-250m Sec.). The slow component was a positive or negative wave, the amplitude was 150-500 µV. Its duration was 17-50mSec.

3. The cortical evoked potential during excitation of C-fiber: After the A-fiber was blocked by galvanic anode, the impulses of the C-fiber transmitted to the central nervous system only, when the intensive stimulation was given, the cortical evoked potential expressed only a slow component with long latency, its amplitude increased. This demonstrated that the rapid component was induced by A-fiber, while the slow one by C-fiber and the slow component might be inhibited by A-fiber.

4. The effect of analgesics (Dolantin) on the cortical evoked potential: After 10mg Dolantin was injected iv., the saphenous nerve was stimulated with intense pulse current. When the A- and C-fibers were excited, the cortical evoked potential expressed only the rapid compoment, the slow component was absent, and then recovered after 30 minutes. This demonstrated that the slow component was related with the pain.

5. The effect of electro-acupuncture on the cortical evoked potential: When the point near the saphenous nerve was stimulated by electro-acupuncture, the two components of the cortical evoked potential were both inhibited. After acupuncture was stopped, the rapid component recovered first, and then the slow one.

The Influence Of Acupuncture Upon The Rheoencephalogram (Reg)

Wang Tong, Wang Wenzheng, Cheng Keming (Wannan Medical College)

The present work was carried out with rheography to study the acupuncture effect on 113 patients with hypertension, early cerebral arteriosclerosis and neurotic headache. The changes in the form of REG and limb rheogram were investigated before and after the application of acupuncture.

Hegu and Neiguan were used for needling with a depth of 1.5 to 3 cm. A mild manipulation was performed and the needle was rotated for one minute. When the needling sensation had been found, the needle was then withdrawn.

Results showed: acupuncture could improve REG curve contours and the dicrotic wave, increased the amplitude, shortened the ascending time, and sharpened the angle é. When "Neiguan" points were needled, the heart rate was descreased but the upper limb rheogram changes were not in correspondence with REG.

In the patients with neurotic headache, the effect of acupuncture on REG was a marked increase in amplitude, but there were no any significant changes in the ascending time and angle é.

The result suggests that the acupuncture shows a regulation effect to organ vessels of different parts of the body and under different functional state.

Observations On Operant Conditioning And Single Unit Activity In Prefrontal Cortex Of Rhesus Monkeys During Acupuncture

Liu Jinlong, Han Xiangwen, Jin Wenlong, Department of Physiology, Guangxi Medical College.

Qi Dailin, Zhou Huiju, Department of Physiology, Guiyang Medical College.

Hou Gangxing, Wang Zouqing, Yang Congguo, Liu Zuozhou, Department of Physiology, The Third Medical College of PLA.

In the present study an attempt was made to examine whether the prefrontal cortex is involved in acupuncture analgesia. Experiments were carried on 12 conscious, movable adult monkeys (Macaca mulatta), weighing 3.5~5 Kg. The animals were trained in a restrained chair to pull a lever to escape noxious electrical stimulation of the tail. The single unit activity was recorded in the meantime with a tungsten microelectrode in dorsolateral prefronal cortex. A total of 111 units were recorded from pre-arcuate, post-arcuate and principal sulcus areas. Spontaneously active units were found in all the areas explored, but their discharge rates varied in any given region. Some units showed irregular impulses at mean frequencies as low as 0.25 Hz, whereas others had rates of 70 Hz or higher, but the majority (81.9%) fired at frequencies within a range of 1 ~ 10 Hz. A few units (17.6%) fired in bursts of 2~20 impulses with frequencies as high as 600~800 Hz. For most units, spontaneous rate of discharge significantly increased 50~1000% under the influence of noxious stimulation. In some cases, diphasic responses, i.e. a brief period of decrease in firing rate followed by a longterm increment, or a brief increase followed by a decrement, could also be seen. As to the relation of the changes of firing rate to the action of lever-pulling, a wide diversity of spike activity patterns existed in different units: some units decreased or increased their firing rate prior to the lever-pulling action and others failed to respond until the action started. During electro-acupuncture, the lever-pulling threshold, which was used as an indicator of pain, was increased within 10~30 min, and the spontaneous firing rate also increased 50~800% in most of the units, but there was no relation to their level of background activity. At that time, the effect of noxious stimulation was also weakened or even reversed; nevertheless, the changes of unit firing rate and the elevation of lever-pulling threshold sometimes showed no consistency. Similar results were also obtained from two rhesus monkeys paralyzed by flaxedil under acute conditions. After the application of dolantin, the threshold of operant avoidance and the spontaneous unit discharge frequency both increased, and the response of some units to noxious stimulation was weakened or reversed. It was suggested that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex might play a role in the psychological aspect of acupuncture analgesic effect.

Preliminary Observations Of The Effect Of Acupuncture On The Direct Cortical Responses (Dcr) In Cat

Yang Boyi, Jiang Deming, Wang Jing (Department of Biology, Fudan University)

In the research work on the mechanism of acupuncture analgesia, cortical evoked potentials are widely used to study the effects of acupuncture on the functional  state of the cerebral cortex. However, the results obtained from such investigation can only be regarded as the consequence of interaction of acupuncture and peripheral afferent signals in various levels of CNS. Herewith, we are seeking for some evidences to show how the cerebral cortex itself be influenced directly by acupuncture.

The direct cortical responses (DCR) are potentials recorded from cortical surface nearby the stimulating electrode. While current is delivered to the cortical surface, a multi-phases wave can be led from the adjacent area. It has been suggested that the negative and positive components of DCR separately represent the activities of apical dendrite and cell body of cortical neuron.

In the paper reported here, the DCR were employed for studying the effects of acupuncture on the electrical activity of the cerebral cortex. 20 adult cats were used in this acute studies. The animals were paralyzed with flaxedil intravenously, and the preparations were subsequently maintained on artificial respiration. The cortex was exposed unilaterally. Both the recording and stimulating electrodes were placed on the cortical surface of secondary somatosensory area (SII). The negative wave of DCR elicited by square pulse 0.1~0.4 mA) were recorded at intervals of 10 minutes. The waveform and amplitude of DCR were maintained stably in one hour. After needling the contralateral points "Neikuan" "Heku", the amplitude of DCR began to reduce in 10 minutes, and after 30 minutes the inhibitory effects were more remarkable (P<0.01). Withdrawing the electrical needle, the negative wave DCR recovered gradually in 20-30 minutes. The experiment of administration of pentobarbitone showed that after injection of pentobarbitone sodium the effects of acupuncture on DCR did not appear.

The results indicate that the acupuncture can depress the DCR recorded from SII in cat. So it may be considered that the acupuncture exerts an inhibitory effect on the functional activity of the cerebral cortex probably through the reticular formation of the brain stem.

The Effect Of Electro-Acupuncture On The Cortical Evoked Potential Caused By Nociceptive Stimulus Upon Lower Abdominal Skin

Zhou Jiayin, Li Xuebing, Gu Zengfa, Yang Langming (Department of Physiology, Lanzhou Medical College)

The cortical evoked potential (EP) caused by nociceptive stimulus upon lower abdominal skin was taken as an index to clarify the possibility of a  relative specific connection between the central projections of electro-acupuncture point and the operative incision site, and for finding of more effective point and appropriate parameter for electro-acupuncture. The results of 25 rabbits were as follows:

1. Electro-acupuncture frequency 15 Hz upon Lumbar 1 (a new point) or Ciliao, showed a marked depressive effect on EP; whereas the effect of Zusanli and Sanyinjiao were moderate; and there was no effect with Quchi and Sibai. The results showed that the effect of points on EP had a relative specificity spatially. The mechanism might be concerned with segment innervation of the nervous system.

2. When electro-acupuncture stimulation with frequency of 5, 15, 40 and 80 Hz, but of the same intensity were used to stimulate the Ciliao point, the effects of 5 and 15 Hz showed marked depressive effect on EP; that of 40 Hz was weaker and 80 Hz with no effect.

3. If a single shock was delivered to Ciliao point and then a nociceptive stimulus was given to the skin of lower abdomen at 50 or 100 milliseconds interval, the EP was markedly depressed. When the interval of these two stimuli increased to 200, 300 or 400 milliseconds respectively, no effects on EP was elicited. The above results demonstrated that the decreased effect is the result of the interaction in CNS between the afferent information of Ciliao point and that of the skin of lower abdomen caused by nociceptive stimulus applied within certain intervals.

4. If the electro-acupuncture at Lumbar 1 or Ciliao lasted 20 minutes, the EP caused by nociceptive stimulus to the skin of lower abdomen was supressed persistently during the acupuncture period. After the cessation of the stimulation, EP recovered rapidly to the normal level.

From the above results, it seemed reasonable to suppose that there may be a relatived specific connection between the central projections of the acupuncture point and the operative incision site. Therefore, we can consider to select a more suitable point according to the principle of segment innervation and a more effective electro-acupuncture parameter to acquire better analgesic effect.

A Preliminary Observation Of The Effect Of Acupuncture On Pain Perception In Man

Mo Huanying, Yao Tai, Chen Zibin, Department of Physiology, Shanghai First Medical College.

Gao Tonghua, Shanghai First Tuberculosis Hospital.

Jin Shubai, Shanghai Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Experiments were undertaken on medical students and school workers. The changes of pain perception were measured by a calibrated spring rod dolorimeter from different points of the body surface before and during acupuncture. Twenty-nine unilatenal and ten pair classical needling points have been tested, each from 16 subjects. All the data were analysed statistically by t-test.

The results can be summarized as follows:

(1) In most subjects hand needling of the classical needling points could elevate pain threshold and pain tolerance. Among the 17 points of "Yang channels" tested, needling of the Hegu point was the most effective, and among the 12 points of "Yin channels" tested, needling of the Gongsun points was the most effective. Effect of bilateral points needled simultaneously was better than unilateral needling.

(2) The magnitude of elevatoins of pain threshold and its tolerance in a given body surface was different on needling different points, and the analgesic effect of needling point was different in different parts of the body surface.

(3) The effectiveness of acupuncture analgesia were significantly different among different subjects, i.e., there are individual heterogenecities.

Effect And Functional Pathway Of Acupuncture At "Zusanli" Upon The Gastrointestinal Function

Shanghai Second Medical College, Shanghai Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Heilongjiang, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Zusanli is one of the commonly used points of acupuncture in clinical practice. Its significant curative effect on gastrointestinal disease has long been emphasized. Current reports concerning the principle: "Abdominal disease being  treated by retaining the needle at Sanli", are very frequent, indicating the close relations between Zusanli point and the gastrointestinal tract.

The present article reports the acupuncture effects observed from the tests performed on animals, the relative specificity of the acupuncture effects at Zusanli and the experimental evidence of afferent pathway of the acupuncture effects.

1. The effects of acupuncture at Zusanli upon the gastrointestinal function and their relative specificity:

(1) Chronic test was performed on six dogs, in which acupuncture at Zusanli might immediately slow down the basic electrical rhythm which was originally fast in case of gastric hypermotility caused by pento-gastrin. Acupuncture at "Hegu", resulted no marked effect.

(2) Chronic test was performed on seven dogs, in which gastric juice was collected through the gastric fistula, and observations were made on the effect of gastric hypersecretion due to pento-gastrin when acupuncture was applied. The results showed that electric needling at Zusanli could reduce the secretion of gastric acid and the cAMP content, however, electric needling at Hegu, induced no obvious decrease in the secretion of gastric acid, but in contrast it raised the cAMP content in the gastric juice.

(3) The effects of acupuncture at different points upon the electrical activity of the sympathetic nervous gastric ramus: Results in 67 rabbits demonstrated that the stimulation of Zusanli with electric needling caused a decrease of the efferent discharge of the gastric nerve, and increase of gastric peristalsis, but the discharge of the renal nerve used as a control was increased. Acupuncture at "Yindu", increased the discharge of both the gastric and renal nerves, and decreased the gastric peristalsis. Electro-stimulation of aural points "Stomach Zone" with electric needling, produced no marked effect on the discharge of both the gastric and renal nerves. The above same results have been obtained in cats.

2. The analysis of the effect of the afferent pathway upon the intestinal movement by acupuncture at Zusanli:

The results of chronic and acute tests on 40 rabbits demonstrated that the effects of the intestinal movement for the majority of the animals by acupuncture at Zusanli were abolished after section of sciatic and femoral nerves. The acupuncture effect only persisted in a few animals. According to morphological studies, it may be related to some severed nerves.

The direct stimulation of the femoral artery could cause the change of the intestinal movement. Acupuncture at Zusanli on extremities, which were affliated with the trunk solely by the femoral artery and vein, and pulling of the femoral artery, could all cause similar intestinal effect to be induced. Thus implying the possibility that the blood vessels and peripheral nervous system participate in the afferent pathway of acupuncture.

In summary the above-mentioned results demonstrated that acupuncture at Zusanli can regulate the function of the gastrointestinal movement. The relations between the channels and Zang-Fu organs have a relative specificity. The main component of the afferent pathway of acupuncture is the somatic nerve but the participating possibility of the blood vessels and their paravascular nerve fibers can not be ruled out. The sympathetic efferent is the main functional pathway of acupuncture effect of the change of gastric peristalsis. Acupuncture effect is related to function condition of Zang-Fu organs.

Influence Of Electro-Acupuncture Of The "Waiguan" Point On The Temperature Of The Ear Of Rabbits: Exploration Of The Pathway Between "Waiguan" And The Ear

Jiang Songlin, Yu Bin, Wang Xinmei, Li Fenglian (Department of Physiology, Heilongjiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

A thermal couple was used to monitor the temperature continuously while the "Waiguan" point was stimulated with electro-acupuncture. The temperature changes were used as indices of response of the experimental animal to the stimulation. The intensity of the electric current was 5-100 µA, frequency was 20-30/sec, and the duration was 5 minutes.

The experimental animal was placed in a box to restrain its movements. All possible sources of excitation, such as light and sound, should be avoided. Struggling should also be avoided. When the temperature of the ear is stable, the experiment was then started. A total of 78 experiments on 60 rabbits were done. The results are as follows:

1. In 11 rabbits, no local anesthesia was used at the "Waiguan" point, electric stimulation caused the ear temperature to drop in 4, raise in 6, and no change in 1 animal.

This proves that there is a pathway between the ear and the "Waiguan" point.

2. In 8 animals, the "Waiguan" point was anesthetized with local anesthesia, the reaction to the electrical stimulation was abolished.

This proves that the receptor at the site of stimulation is responsible for the reaction.

3. In 7 animals subjected to general anesthesia, 4 failed to respond, 2 reacted feebly and 1 reacted normally.

This proves that the C.N.S. participated in the response to the electro-acupuncture.

4. When the corresponding brachial plexus was severed, the temperature response to the electric stimulation was either abolished or significantly diminished.

This proves that the pathway from the acupuncture site to the ear lies in the brachial plexus.

5. In one experimental animal whose cervical sympathetic trunks were severed, the temperature response of the ipsilateral ear augmented, but the temperature response of the contralateral ear diminished.

This proves that the efferent pathway for regulating the temperature of ear is complicated.

Preliminary Conclusions:

Our experiments tend to prove that there is a pathway between the ear and the "Waiguan" point. The receptors at the site of acupuncture, the brachial plexus innervating the stimulated fore leg and certain parts of the C.N.S. are involved in provoking the response.