• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.77-90
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• 2005

Objective : Neuropathic pain sometimes arises from a partial peripheral nerve injury. This kind of pain is usually accompanied by spontaneous burning pain, allodynia and hyperalgesia. It has been well known that acupuncture is effective to the pain control from ancient time in Asia. However, it is not clear whether Electroacupuncture(EA) & Acupuncture(AC) can control neuropathic pain effectively. The aim of this study is to examine if Electroacupuncture&Acupuncture at Hu-gye(SI03), Wijung(BL4O), Hu-gye(SI03) Wijung(BL40) may be effective to the neuropathic pain (mechanical allodynia cold allodynia) in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Methods : A rat model of neuropathic pain was made by injurying tibial nerve and sural nerve while common peroneal nerve was maintained. After the neuropathic surgery, we examined if the rats exhibited the behavioral signs allodynia. The allodynia was assessed by stimulating the medial malleolus with von frey filament and acetone. Three weeks after the neuropathic surgery, electroacupuncture &, acupuncture stimulation was delivered to Hu-gye(SI03), Wijung(BL40), Hu-gye(SI03) Wijung(BL40) one time a day for one week. After that we examined the withdrawal response of neuropathic rats' legs by von frey filament and acetone stimulation, c-fos and AchE(Acetylcholine esterase) in the periaqe- ductal gray(PAG) of neuropathic rats' brain. Results : 1. Electroacupuncture&Acupuncture at Hu-gye(SI03), Wijung(BL40), Hu-gye(SI03) Wijung(BL4O) significantly decreased the withdrawal response of mechanically allodynia in EA-BL40+SI03 group and AC-SI03 group as compared with control group on 6th day. 2. Electroacupuncture &Acupuncture at Hu-gye(SI03), Wijung(BL40), Hu-gye (SI03) Wijung (BL40) significantly decreased the withdrawal response of chemical allodynia(cold allodynia) in EA-SI03 group, EA-BL40+SI03 group and AC-SI03 group as compared with control group on 6th day. 3. Electroacupuncture & Acupuncture at Hu-gye ( SI03), Wijung (BL40), Hu-gye (SI03) Wijung(BL40) significantly decreased the expression of c-fos in the periaqe- ductal gray(PAC) of neuropathic rats' brain in EA-BL40+SI03 group and AC-SI03 group as compared with control group. 4. Electroacupuncture&Acupuncture at Hu-gye(SI03), Wijung(BL40), Hu-gye (SI03) Wijung(BL40) significantly decreased the expression of AchE in the periaqe- ductal gray(PAG) of neuropathic rats' brain in EA-BL40+SI03 group and AC-SI03 group as compared with control group. Conclusions : Based on the above results it is assumed that Electroacupuncture at Hu-gye(SI03) Wijung(BL40) and Acupuncture at Hu-gye(SI03) can help the treatment of neuropathic pain.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.601-606
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to research the effects of acupuncturing BL40 and ST36 and to determine the mechanism of action of acupuncturing BL40 and ST36 by measuring the changes of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) in normal rats. To determine the mechanism of action of acupuncturing BL40 and ST36, pretreatment with indomethacine and methylene blue was performed. Acupuncturing BL40 and ST36 significantly increased rCBF, and the increased rCBF by acupuncturing BL40 and ST36 was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with indomethacin (1 mg/kg, i.p.), an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, and methylene blue($10{\mu}g/kg$, i.p.), an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase. Acupuncturing BL40 and ST36 decreased MABP, and decreased MABP by acupuncturing BL40 and ST36 was not changed by pretreatment with indomethacin and methylene blue. This result suggested that acupuncturing BL40 and ST36 might significantly increase rCBF by dilating arterial diameter and mechanism of acupuncturing BL40 and ST36 might be mediated by cyclooxygenase and guanylate cyclase.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.145-160
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to observe the anti-oxidative effects of electroacupuncture at Wijung (BL40) in rats. Methods : The author performed several experimental items including measurements of body weight, liver index, levels of albumin, total bilirubin, LDL-cholesterol, LDH, GOT and GPT in blood serum, and levels of SOD, glutathione, catalase, No and MDA (malondialdehyde) in liver, histological analysis of liver. Results : 1. In the BL40-EA group, liver index was decreased significantly compared to those of the control group, the holder group and the sham-EA group. 2. In the BL40-EA group, the albumin level was increased significantly compared to those of the control and holder group. LDL-cholesterol and GOT level were increased significantly compared to those of the control group and the holder group. 3. In the BL40-EA group, the SOD activity & the Catalase activity were decreased significantly compared to those of the control group and the holder group. 4. In the BL40-EA group, the density of liver tissue was more similarly maintained to the normal group compared to those of the control group and the holder group. Conclusion : These results suggest that electroacupuncture at BL40 has an antioxidant effect in human, and hereafter continuous study & clinical application is needed.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.43-50
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• 2024

Objectives : Samanhyeol is a combination of acupoints located in the cubital and popliteal fossa. It is commonly used in clinical practice to treat acute illnesses such as summerheat stroke, vomiting, diarrhea, and hemorrhagic diseases. There are two types of Samanhyeol in literature: BL40 and LU5, and BL40 and PC3. We investigated which acupoint is representative of Samanhyeol, and more closely fits the definition of Samanhyeol between LU5 and PC3. Methods : We searched for literature related to Samanhyeol, compared the anatomical locations of LU5, PC3, and BL40, examined their indications associated with the effectiveness of Samanhyeol, and checked cases in the literature where LU5 or PC3 was used concurrently with BL40. Results : BL40, one of the Samanhyeol, has been used to treat summerheat stroke, vomiting, diarrhea, and epistaxis in acupuncture texts, and there are many references in the literature to BL40 being used for bloodletting. And BL40 is located in the midpoint of the traverse crease of the popliteal fossa. From this perspective, LU5 may be a more suitable than PC3 because it is located in the midpoint of the cubital crease. However, Samanhyeol is a combination of acupoints used to treat heat stroke, vomiting and diarrhea, and hemorrhagic diseases. Upon analyzing the literature, it was found that LU5 and PC3 have similar efficacy. However, PC3 was used more frequently in cases of severe fever, unconsciousness or syncope. Conclusions : Literature suggests that BL40 is the representative acupoint for Samanhyeol. And PC3 is more appropriate than LU5 for Samanhyeol because its effects are more stronger on heat stroke although both LU5 and PC3 can treat symptoms related to Samanhyeol.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.240-251
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• 2004

Objective: We have studied to know effects of acupuncture at SI3, BL40, SI3 BL40 on mechnical allodynia, cold allodynia and c-fos protein expression in a model of neuropathic pain of rat. Methods: A model of neuropathic pain was made by injuring tibial nerve and sural nerve while common peroneal nerve was maintained. after 2 weeks, we performed behavioral tests for 7 days to try out mechnical allodynia using von frey filament and cold allodynia using acetone, which are calculated by counting withdrawal response on foot. Rat brains removed and sliced on 8th days. Serial sections were immunohistochemically reacted with polyclonal c-fos antibody. The numbers of c-Fos protein immunoreactive neurons in the central gray were examined using scion image program. Results: Mechanical allodynia in the SI3, BL40, SI3 BL40 groups were diminished compared with the control group. Cold allodynia in the SI3, BL40, SI3 BL40 groups were diminished compared with the control group. c-Fos protein expression on the central gray in the SI3 group were lower than that of the control group. Conclusions: We have noticed that acupuncture at SI3, BL40, SI3 BL40 diminished mechanical allodynia and cold allodynia in a model of neuropathic pain compared with the control group. c- Fos protein expression in the central gray of that group was also decreased compared with the control group. pain control using acupunture was accumulated as time goes by. This study can be used as a basic resource on a study and a treatment of pain.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.65-75
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• 2002

Objective : Since ancient times venepuncture has been widely used as a useful treatment for low back pain. This study is made in order to objectively evaluate the therapeutic effect of Weizhong(BL40) on low back pain. Methods : Total 46 cases of low back pain patients were divided into 2 groups; one group took only acupuncture therapy, and the other group took acupuncture and venepuncture therapy together. Each patient's pain was evaluated before the treatment and the 3 or 4 days later after the treatment. Pain rating score(PRS) was used to assess the pain for its intensity, frequency, duration, and aggravating factors. Results : Both acupuncture therapy group and acupuncture & venepuncture group showed good effect on low back pain. Though the latter group showed better pain release effect than the former, there was no statistical significance between pain rating score of two groups. Sciatica group showed no significant difference from non-sciatica group in pain rating score. Palpation on Weizhong(BL40) group showed significant difference only in pain duration from non-palpation group. Exposed vessel around Weizhong(BL40) group showed significant difference in pain rating score from non-exposed vessel group. Conclusion : Weizhong(BL40) venepuncture can be highly recommended as a useful therapy for low back pain patients especially who show exposed vessels on the popliteal area.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.37-47
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• 2011

Objectives : We have studied the effects of GaAlAs (808 nm) low level laser therapy (LLLT) and acupuncture at BL40 on neuropathic pain in rats induced by lumbar spinal nerve 5 ligation. Methods : To produce the model of neuropathic pain, under isoflurane 2.5% anesthesia, the lumbar spinal nerve 5 was ligated by 6-0 silk thread. After neuropathic surgery, we examined if the animals exhibited the behavioral sign of allodynia. The allodynia was assessed by stimulating the medial malleolus with von Frey filament and acetone. Three weeks after the neuropathic surgery, GaAlAs (808 nm) low level laser and acupuncture was inserted at BL40 once a day for 6 days. We examined the withdrawal response of neuropathic rats' legs by von Frey filament and acetone stimulation. And also the author examined c-Fos, nociceptin and nociceptin receptor in the midbrain central gray of neuropathic rats. Results : The GaAlAs (808 nm) low level laser therapy and acupuncture at BL40 decreased the withdrawal response of mechanical allodynia that assessed with von Frey filament in LLLT group on 5 and 6 times and with acetone in AT group and LLLT on 6times. The LLLT and acupuncture at BL40 decreased the c-Fos protein expression in AT and LLLT groups. The 808 nm LLLT and acupuncture at BL40 decreased the nociceptin protein and nociceptin receptor protein in LLLT group. Conclusions : We have noticed that GaAlAs (808 nm) LLLT and acupuncture at BL40 decreased mechanical allodynia in the model of neuropathic pain. c-Fos, nociceptin and nociceptin receptor expression in the central gray of that group was also decreased. This study can be used as a basic resource on a study and a treatment of pain.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.131-137
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• 1997

This study was carried out to investigate the in vivo development rates of vitrified-thawed mouse expanding, hatching and hatched blastoc ysts(BL). In vitro fertilization produced blastocysts were vitrified in EFS40(40% ethylene glycol, 30% Ficoll and 0.3 M sucrose in phosphate buffer saline containing 10% FBS). Expanding a and hatching blastocysts were equilibrated in 20% ethylene glyco](EG) for 5 min. before exposure to EFS40 at 25°C for 1 min., they were then vitrified in liquid nitrogen. Hatched blastocysts which cultured in m-CR1 medium supple mented 0.4% bovine serum albumin on day 5. were equilibrated in 10% EG for 5 min. and then vitrified in EFS40 for 30 sec. After thawing, re-expanding blastocysts were transferred to recipients(3 day of pseudopregnant) on one or both uterine horns(6-8 embryos per a horn). Preg¬n nancy rates of recipients and implantation were a assccessed by autopsy on 15 gestation. The res¬u ults obtained in these experiments were summar¬1 ized as follows; 1) The pregnancy and live fetus rates, for vitrified expanding BL(77.8 and 25.0%) and hatching BL(77.8 and 26.4%)n vitro were not significantly difference in those of control BL (66.7 and 42.9%: 83.3 and 40.4%), respectively, 2) in vitro development of vitrified hatched BL was 34.0%. and 3) in vivo developmental rate of vitrified hatched BL was only 33.3%. These results suggested that proposed rapid vitrification p procedures used EFS40 cryoprotectant can be effectively performed in mouse expanding Ihatching blastocysts and that mouse blastocysts a after being hatched from zona pellucida can be successfully cryopreserved.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.397-400
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• 2002

The effect of traditional acupuncture on gastric motility was investigated in dogs. Six healthy dogs, of mixed breed, were used in this study. The gastric motility was evaluated by electrogastromyograms (EGMG) of the smooth muscle of the pyloric region. The acupoints investigated were ST-36, ST-40, ST-41, ST-42, ST-45, BL-21 and CV-12. The gastric motility was increased by traditional acupuncture at ST-36 and BL-21 but decreased by traditional acupuncture at CV-12 However, there were no significant changes in the gastric motility after acupuncture at ST-40, ST-41, ST-42 and ST-45.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.119-127
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• 2010

Objectives : The aim of the study is to analyze various studies subjected to sachonghyeol (SCH; Four command points) including ST36, BL40, LU7, LI4 in Korean literature. Methods : To analyze the results of SCH studies, The search was made through OASIS database. The search terms used were "ST36 OR BL40 OR LU7 OR LI4". Of 147 papers, 2 irrelevant papers were excluded and finally 145 papers were analyzed. Results : Thirty two studies were associated with pain control in various conditions using SCH. The pain control study of SCH covered 22 % of total studies. The next study topic was digestive function of SCH. Conclusion : To expand the clinical usage of SCH, the studies based on regulating function of SCH on ascending and descending ki, and coming in and out of ki are required to be performed in the future.