• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.211-224
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• 2008

Objectives : To investigate the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) at GB34 on hepatotoxicity in $CCl_4$-intoxicated rats. Methods : Rats were injected with $CCl_4$ and treated with acupuncture or 2 Hz electro-acupuncture (EA) at left GB34 three times a week for 10 weeks. A non-acupoint in left gluteal area was selected as a sham point. To estimate the effects of EA on hepatotoxicity in rats, body weight, liver weight and liver index were measured, and biochemical assays for serum ALT, AST, ALP and total cholesterol, and hematological analysis for RBC, WBC, PLT, hemoglobin, lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes, and histology analysis of liver tissue were performed. Results : 1. Lymphocyte level in blood was significantly decreased by $CCl_4$-intoxication and significantly increased by acupuncture and 2 Hz EA at left GB34. 2. Neutrophill and monocyte level in blood was increased by $CCl_4$-intoxication and significantly reduced by acupuncture and 2 Hz EA at left GB34. 3. Acupuncture and 2 Hz EA at left GB34 significantly reduced serum ALT and AST which were increased by $CCl_4$-intoxication. 4. EA at GB34 significantly reduced serum ALT and AST as compared with EA at sham point in $CCl_4$-intoxicated rat. 5. No significant difference was found between the effects of acupuncture and that of 2 Hz EA on $CCl_4$-induced liver damage in rats. Conclusions : 2 Hz EA at GB34 has hepatoprotective effects on $CCl_4$-induced liver damage in rats and the point-specificity of GB34 may be involved in these effects.

• 대한임상전기생리학회지
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• 제5권1호
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• pp.45-58
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• 2007

This study aims to examine the effects on nociceptive neuron excitability by application of electroacupuncture and Meloxicam gel in rat with inflammation. It used 24 rats for experiment, divided them into control group, electroacupuncture group(EA group), Meloxicam group(ME group), combination of electroacupuncture with Meloxicam group(EA+ME group), caused hyperalgesia by injecting ${\lambda}$-carrageenan into hindpaw and conducted treatment three times for experimental period. Noxious flexion withdrawal reflex(NFR) and somatosensory evoked potential(SEP) were measured immediately after induction, at 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours after induction. Change of NFR(reaction time, RMS) showed no significant differences among EA group, Meloxicam group, and EA+Meloxicam group, but all treatment groups showed significant differences compared to control group from 48 hours. In NFR threshold, there were significant differences between EA+Meloxicam and other groups. In SEP amplitude, there were significant differences between EA+Meloxicam and control group from 48 hours. This study showed that EA+Meloxicam gel had an effect on nociceptive neurone excitability. Therefore, it is considered that appropriate combination of anti-inflammatory drug with electroacupuncture for pain control will be very desirable.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.81-97
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• 2007

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-oxidative effect of electroacupuncture at Kokchi($LI_{11}$) in rats. Methods: A study administer AAPH to the abdominal cavity of rats and stimulate Kokchi($LI_{11}$) of the rat that lead to oxidative stress by electropuncture. And the study survey serum albumin, total bilirubin, LDL-cholesterol, LDH, Glucose, GOT, GPT and measure SOD activity, GSH concentration, catalase activity, NO concentration, MDA concentration. Results: 1. At the analysis of blood chemistry Albumin and Glucose significantly increase at $LI_{11}$-NR group, $LI_{11}$-EA group than at control group and holder group. LDL cholesterol, GOT, GPT decrease meaningfully. 2. As results of measurement at liver, SOD, Catalase represnet significantly increase at $LI_{11}$-NR group and $LI_{11}$-EA group than at control group and holder group. 3. Glutathione has some increases at the $LI_{11}$-NR group and $LI_{11}$-EA group than at the control group and the holder group. 4. As a result of measurement of NO and MDA's content, the content of NO decrease at the $LI_{11}$-NR group than at the control group. That reduces more meaningfully at the $LI_{11}$-EA group than at the control group. MDA has a significant decrease at the $LI_{11}$-NR group and the $LI_{11}$-EA group. 5. At the histological analysis, the study confirm that the density of intracellular cytoplasm in the liver tissue decreases at the control group as compared with the Normal group and the size of cell increases. Conclusions : These results suppose that electroacupuncture at $LI_{11}$ has an anti-oxidant effect in human.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.141-161
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• 2007

Objectives & Methods : The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-oxidative effects of electroacupuncture at Hyunjong (GB39) in rats. The author performed several experimental items including change of body weight, relative liver weight, level of albumin, total bilirubin, LDL-Cholesterol, LDH, GOT and GPT in blood serum, level of SOD, glutathione, catalase, NO and MDA in liver, histological change of liver. Results : 1. In the GB39-EA group, body weights were decreased in the early stages, but increased later on gradually. 2. In the GB39-EA group, the level of LDL-cholesterol was significantly decreased in comparison with that of the holder group, sham-EA group and GB39-NR group. 3. In the GB39-EAgroup, liver SOD, glutathione, catalase activity were increased, and NO density was decreased in comparison with those of the holder group, sham-EA group and GB39-NR group. MDA activity was significantly decreased in comparison with that of the holder group. 4. In the GB39-EA group, the density of liver tissue was more similarly maintained to the normal group in comparison with that of the holder group and sham-EA group. 5. The results of the GB39-EA group showed similar tendency with those of the GB39-EA group, but the effects were lower than those of the GB39-EA group. Conclusions : These results suppose that electroacupuncture at GB39 has an anti oxidative effect in human.

• 대한임상전기생리학회지
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• 제5권2호
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• pp.47-59
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• 2007

The purpose of this study were to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture(EA) on sensory nerve function in acute hyperglycemia rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250~270 g(8 weeks of age) were used in this study, and the induced hyperglycemia rats were produced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(70 mg/kg body weight). Only animals with blood glucose levels of 300 mg/dl or higher were used in this study. Animal were divided into two groups: the control group and EA group (n=7 in each group). For EA, two stainless-steel needles were inserted into Zusanli (ST36) which is located at the anterior tibial muscle and about 10mm below the knee joint. Pulsed current(2 Hz, 0.3 ms) were applied to the inserted needle for 20 mim. We measured glucose level, weigh, sensory nerve conduction and somatosensory evoked potential(5EP) before and after injecting streptozotocin, 2 weeks, 4 weeks. The change of blood glucose on EA group trended to decrease compared with the control group and there were significant differences(p<0.05). The body weight of the EA group trended to be reduced compared with the control group and there were significant differences(p<0.05). The amplitude of sensory nerve action potential on EA group to increase compared with the control group and there were significant differences(p<0.05). There were no significant differences in SEP. These results suggest that EA has beneficial effect on diabetic neuropathy and this effect may be related in part with prevention of hyperglycemia.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.77-90
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• 2006

Objectives : To evaluate the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture on Choksamni (ST36) in the collagen-induced arthritis rats and investigate the role played by serotonergic receptor subtypes $(5-HT_{1A},\;5-HT_{1B},\;5-HT_4)$ in the antinociceptive effect of electroacupuncture in the thermal hyperalgesia test. Methods : Immunization of male Sprague-Dawley rats with bovine type II collagen emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant, followed by booster injection 14 days later induced collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). The thermal hyperalgesia was evaluated weekly with tail flick latency (TFL). In the fourth week after first immunization. EA stimulation (2Hz, 0.07mA, 0.3ms) was delivered into Choksamni for 20 minutes. We measured the analgesic effect of EA with TFL afer intraperitoneal injection of normal saline, WAYl00635, SB216641 and GR125487. Results : TFLs were gradually decreased in CIA as time elapsed after the immunization of arthrogenic collagen and the maximum value was reached from third to fifth week. EA stimulation on ST36 inhibited chronic inflammatory pain induced by CIA. The analgesic effect of EA was inhibited by pretreatment of $5-HT_{1A}$. antagonist (WAYl00635), $5-HT_{1B}$ antagonist (SB216641) and $5-HT_4$ antagonist (GR125487). Conclusion : Electroacupuncture has the analgesic effect on chronic inflammatory pain and its mechanism was mediated by $5-HT_{1A}$, $5-HT_{1B}$ and $5-HT_4$.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제18권3호
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• pp.9-21
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• 2006

Purpose: This study was intended to examine the effects of electroacupuncture and therapeutic exercise on muscle atrophy and exercise function in an ischemic stroke model induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Methods: This study selected 120 Sprangue-Dawley rats, 8-week of age, divided them into six groups, and assigned 5 rats to each group. Experiments were conducted for 1, 3 days, 1, and 8 weeks, respectively. Group I was a group of electroacupuncture and therapeutic exercise after inducing ischemic stroke; Group II was a group of therapeutic exercise after inducing ischemic stroke; Group III was a group of electroacupuncture after inducing ischemic stroke; Group IV was a sham group of electroacupuncture after inducing ischemic stroke; Group V was a control group and Group VI was a sham group without ischemic stroke. In each group, changes in weight of muscle and relative muscle of TA muscle, neurologic motor behavior test, histologic observations were observed and analyzed. Results: For the changes in muscle weight of unaffected and affected sides of TA muscle, muscle atrophy was seen in an affected side 3 days after ischemic stroke was induced. There was statistically significant difference in Group I 1 week and 8 weeks after ischemic stroke was induced, compared to Group V (p<0.05). For the changes in relative muscle weight of unaffected and affected sides of tibial anterior muscle, there was significant decrease in each group 3 days after ischemic stroke was induced, compared to Group IV, while there was statistically significant increase in Group I 1 week after ischemic stroke was induced, compared to Group V (p<0.05). For neuologic exercise behavior test, Group I generally had the highest score, compared to other groups. Conclusion: electroacupuncture and therapeutic exercise may improve muscle atrophy and change in histologic observations expression of ischemic stroke rats and contribute to the improvement of exercise function.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제16권4호
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• pp.756-763
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• 2002

We have previously demonstrated that repeated injections of nicotine produced an increase in locomotor activity, dopamine(DA), release and c-Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens, one of the major projection areas of the central DA system. Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention is widely used for the treatment of many functional disorders such as substance abuse and mental dysfunction. And many studies have shown that Coptidis Rhizoma has a suppressive effect on the central nervous system (CNS) and can affect the neurotransmitter systems in the CNS. In order to investigate whether acupuncture and Coptidis Rhizoma have an influence on nicotine-induced reinforcing and behavioral effects, we examined the effect of zusanli(ST36) and Coptidis Rhizoma on repeated nicotine-induced locomotor activity, and zusanli(ST36) on c-Fos expression as an important maker of postsynaptic neuronal activity in nucleus accumbens. Male SD rats received Coptidis Rhizoma (100mg/kg, p.o.) 30 min before injections of nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, s.c.) for 7 days. Rats were followed withdrawal for 3 days and one challenge for 1 day. Systemic challenge with nicotine produced a much larger increase in locomotor activity. Pretreatment with acupuncture at zusanli(ST36, 100Hz) and Coptidis Rhizoma decreased in nicotine-induced locomotor activity. These results demonstrated that reduction in locomotor activity by acupuncture at zusanli(ST36, 100Hz) and Coptidis Rhizoma may be mediated by reduction of dopamine release. Our results suggest that acupuncture at zusanli(ST36, 100Hz) and Coptidis Rhizoma may have therapeutic effect on nicotine addiction.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제20권4호
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• pp.114-133
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• 2003

Objective : The meridian theory in oriental medicine explains that Sp9(Yinlingquan) has been considered very important for gynecological disorders, spleen and stomach disorders, and water metabolic disorders. Functional MRI is the best method of showing the evidences of the effect of the Electro-acupuncture treatment through scientific methods. On this supposition, Electro-acupuncture stimulation on Sp9(Yinlingquan) was carried out on six healthy volunteers, using the gradient echo sequence with the 3.0T whole-body MRI system(ISOL). Methods : Electro-acupuncture stimulation on Sp9(Yinlingquan), the experiment was carried out on six healthy volunteers, using the gradient echo sequence with the 3.0T whole-body MRI system(ISOL). After the needle insertion on right Sp9(Yinlingquan), 2Hz of electric stimulation was given for 30 seconds, repeated five times, with 30 seconds' intervals. The Image analysis including motion correction, talairach transformation, and smoothing was done using SPM99. Results : The electro-acupuncture stimulation on Sp9(Yinlingquan) activates Brodmann Area 13, 19, 22, 39, 40, 47 which may be the central pathways of the electro-acupuncture stimulation on Sp9(Yinlingquan). We also hypothesize that those brain areas may be directly or indirectly related with the mechanism of the effect of electro-acupuncture stimulation on Sp9(Yinlingquan).

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제20권4호
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• pp.66-84
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• 2003

Objectve : Recent stuides suggested that there is a strong correlation between acupuncture stimulation and its cortical activation. Another study showed that either positive or negative BOLD effects could be observed depending on anatomical structure in acupuncture. Methods : 1) Subjects and paradigms: Two separate stimulation paradigms were performed in this study. To see the effects of electro-acupuncture stimulation on K7(Fuliu), the experiment was carried out on six healthy volunteers, using the gradient echo sequence with the 3.0T whole-body MRI system(ISOL). After the needle insertion on right K7(Fuliu), 2 Hz of electric stimulation was given for 30 seconds, repeated five times, with 30 seconds' intervals. During the intervals while there was no electro-stimulation, the subjects performed motor task as a reference. The image analysis including motion correction, talairach transformation, and smoothing was done using SPM99. Results: The electro-acupuncture stimulation on K7(Fuliu) activated Brodmann's Areas of 9, 19, 23, 24, 31, 32, 39 which may be the central pathways of the electro-acupuncture stimulation on K7(Fuliu) and those brain areas may be related with the function of the electro-acupuncture stimulation on K7(Fuliu).