• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• 제19권1호
• /
• pp.35-45
• /
• 2002

Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been used to prevent and treat the cerebrovascular accident, such as a stroke, and many studies of acupuncture and moxibustion concerning to the stroke have been undertaken in the human and various animals. However, it was not published the protective effect of the electroacupuncture (EA) of Huan-do (GB30) on the transient forebrain ischemia injury. The neuroprotective effects of EA (2 ms, 10 Hz, and 1 - 2 mA) of GB30 on the transient forebrain ischemia injury was investigated by western blot of nNOS and hematoxylin and eosin stain in Sprague-Dawley rats. The transient forebrain ischemia injury resulted in increased expression of nNOS in the brain for 6 hrs after ischemia, and EA decreased significantly expression of nNOS protein in brain increased by transient forebrain ischemia injury. The survived neuronal cell stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) decreased in the hippocampus by the 7 days after ischemia comparing with the normal. Comparing with the normal, the survived neurons seriously decreased cell in the hippocampus after the injury. However, the proportion of survived neurons was increased in EA treatment. These results suggest that EA of GB30 have neuroprotective effects on transient forebrain ischemia injury.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• 제20권4호
• /
• pp.407-414
• /
• 2016

This study was performed to investigate whether the spinal cholinergic and serotonergic analgesic systems mediate the relieving effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic cold allodynia in rats. The cold allodynia induced by an oxaliplatin injection (6 mg/kg, i.p.) was evaluated by immersing the rat's tail into cold water ($4^{\circ}C$) and measuring the withdrawal latency. EA stimulation (2 Hz, 0.3-ms pulse duration, 0.2~0.3 mA) at the acupoint ST36, GV3, or LI11 all showed a significant anti-allodynic effect, which was stronger at ST36. The analgesic effect of EA at ST36 was blocked by intraperitoneal injection of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist (atropine, 1 mg/kg), but not by nicotinic (mecamylamine, 2 mg/kg) receptor antagonist. Furthermore, intrathecal administration of $M_2$ (methoctramine, $10{\mu}g$) and $M_3$ (4-DAMP, $10{\mu}g$) receptor antagonist, but not $M_1$ (pirenzepine, $10{\mu}g$) receptor antagonist, blocked the effect. Also, spinal administration of $5-HT_3$ (MDL-72222, $12{\mu}g$) receptor antagonist, but not $5-HT_{1A}$ (NAN-190, $15{\mu}g$) or $5-HT_{2A}$ (ketanserin, $30{\mu}g$) receptor antagonist, prevented the anti-allodynic effect of EA. These results suggest that EA may have a significant analgesic action against oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain, which is mediated by spinal cholinergic ($M_2$, $M_3$) and serotonergic ($5-HT_3$) receptors.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• 제25권4호
• /
• pp.119-132
• /
• 2008

Objectives : To compare the effects of low-frequency electro-acupuncture (EA) stimulation at left and right GB34s on hepatotoxicity in $CCl_4$-intoxicated rats. Methods : Rats were injected with $CCl_4$ and treated with 2 Hz electro-acupuncture (EA) at left and right GB34s for 15 minutes 3 times per week, for 10 weeks. Holder group, injected with $CCl_4$ and strained in a cylinder for same period as the EA group, was established to compare the hepatotoxicity against the two electroacupuncture groups. To estimate the effects of EA on hepatotoxicity in rats, body weight, liver weight and liver index were measured. Biochemical assays for serum ALT, AST, ALP and total cholesterol ; hematological analysis for RBC, WBC, PLT, hemoglobin, lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes ; and histology analysis of liver tissue were also performed. Results : Lymphocyte level in blood was significantly decreased by $CCl_4$-intoxication, and increased by low-frequency electroacupuncture applied on both left and right GB34s. Low-frequency EA applied on right and left GB34s significantly reduced serum ALT and AST, both of which had been increased by $CCl_4$-intoxication. Conclusion : Low-frequency electroacupunctures at both left and right GB34s have hepatoprotective effects on $CCl_4$-induced liver damage in rats. However, no significant differences were found between the effects of EAs at left and right GB34s.

• 한국한의학연구원논문집
• /
• 제17권3호
• /
• pp.105-114
• /
• 2011

Objectives : The transient inflammation has been demonstrated to alter visceral motor response (VMR) and acute mucosal inflammation may precede the manifestation of visceral hyperalgesia in animal models. The purpose of our study is to compare effects of the different frequencies applied electroacupuncture (EA) on acupoints in acute colitis induced by trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS). Methods : In Male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250~400g, a single colorectal administration of TNBS (5mg/kg) was made and electrode for electromyography (EMG) recording were stitched into the external oblique musculature. EA of either ST25 or ST36 were applied and stimulation parameter was modulated as follows: 2, 10, or 100 Hz with intensity of 2 mA and 1 ms pulse duration for 30 min. The balloon was inserted intra-anally and VMR to colorectal distension (CRD) was quantified with an EMG recording system. Results : The VMR increased significantly 3 days after TNBS intra-rectal colonic injection in rats. Both 2 Hz and 10 Hz EA on ST36 suppressed VMR to CRD in the acute colitis model but not 100 Hz. Only 10 Hz EA on ST25 suppressed VMR to CRD in the acute colitis. Conclusions : These data show that 10 Hz EA potently inhibits hypersensitivity of colorectum after TNBS induced colitis.

• 대한수의학회지
• /
• 제43권1호
• /
• pp.157-163
• /
• 2003

The present study was performed to elucidate the effect of canine electroacupuncture anesthesia on vital signs and blood gas values. Groups were divided into experimental (electroacupuncture: EA) and control (ketamine) groups. The vital signs (body temperature, respiration rate and pulse) and blood gas values (pH, $pCO_2$ and $pO_2$) of venous and arterial blood were determined. Body temperatures of EA group were significant higher than than of ketamine group at 15 min., 30 min., 45min. and 60 min. (p<0.05) after anesthesia, respectively. The respiration rates of EA group were higher than those of ketamine group, however, significant differences were not observed between both groups. The pulses of EA group were significant higher than those of ketamine group at 5 min. (p<0.05), 10 min. (p<0.01), 15 min. and 30 min. (p<0.05) after anesthesia, respectively. The arterial and venous blood pHs of ketamine group were slightly higher than those of EA group, respectively, however, no significant differences were found between both groups. Significant differences were not observed between both groups in the arterial and venous blood $pCO_2$, respectively. The arterial blood $pO_2$ of EA group was significant higher than those of ketamine group at 5 min. (p<0.05) after anesthesia. No significant differences were observed between both groups in the venous blood $pO_2$. These results suggest that the changes of vital signs and blood gas values of EA group are similar to those of ketamine group with the exception of changes in the body temperature, pulse and arterial blood $pO_2$.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• 제39권4호
• /
• pp.132-141
• /
• 2022

Objectives : Some acupoints are commonly utilized to treat a variety of diseases. The acupoints appear to have a wide range of effects caused by several mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to investigate into the potential role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the multipotent effects of individual acupoint stimulation. Methods : We examined the miRNA expressions in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of neuropathic or inflammatory pain rats following ST36 and GB34 electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation. Neuropathic pain was induced by L5 spinal nerve ligation. Inflammatory pain was induced by knee joint injection of Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). EA was given under gaseous anesthesia with the same parameters (1mA, 2Hz, 30 min) in 5 consecutive days. Pain behaviors and miRNA expressions were analyzed. Results : In rats with neuropathic and inflammatory pain, EA treatments significantly enhanced the paw withdrawal threshold and weight-bearing force. After nerve injury, 36 miRNAs were upregulated in the DRG of neuropathic rats, while EA downregulated 10 of them. Furthermore, 14 miRNAs were downregulated following nerve damage, while one was increased by EA. 15 miRNAs were increased in the DRG of inflammatory rats following CFA injection, while 5 were downregulated by EA. Furthermore, 17 miRNAs were downregulated following CFA injection, while 7 were increased by EA. The miRNAs rno-miR-335, rno-miR-381-5p, rno-miR-1306-3p, and rno-miR-1839-3p were regulated by EA in both models. Conclusions : In two pain models, EA applied to ST36 and GB34 regulated miRNA expression differently. There appeared to be both acupoint-specific and non-specific miRNAs, and miRNA regulation of differential protein expression may modulate a variety of EA mechanisms.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제21권2호
• /
• pp.115-129
• /
• 2004

Objectives : To investigate the analgesic effect and its cholinergic mechanism of electroacupuncture(EA) in the rat model of collagen-induced arthritis(CIA). Methods : Immunization of male Sprague-Dawley rats with bovine typeII (CII) collagen emulsified in Freund's incomplete adjuvant, followed by a booster injection 14 days later, leads to development of arthritis in more than 70% of rats by 21 days postinjection. After three weeks of first immunization, EA stimulation(2 Hz, 0.07 mA, 0.3 ms) was delivered into Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) for 30 minutes. Analgesic effect was evaluated by tail flick latency(TFL). We compared the analgesic effect of EA with TFLs between pretreatment of normal saline and pretreatment of Atropine (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) and Neostigmine ($100{\mu}g/kg$, intraperitoneal) in CIA. Results : 1. TFLs were gradually decreased in CIA as increasing severity of arthritis. 2. Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) EA stimulation in CIA increased TFLs and the effect lasted for 60 minutes. 3. Increased TFLs with Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) EA stimulation were inhibited with pretreatment of atropine in CIA 4. Increased TFLs with Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) EA stimulation did not show an obvious synergistic effect with pretreatment of neostigmine in CIA. Conclusions: Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) EA showed analgesic effects in CIA. The analgesic effects of Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) EA were inhibited by atropine pretreatment and combined application of Jogsamni(ST36) EA and neostigmine did not show an synergistic effect. These observations suggest that intrinsic muscarinic cholinergic pathways represent an important modulating system in pain perception of inflammatory pain in CIA It is suggested that, the active mechanism of analgesic effect in EA may involve the release of acetylcholine in the spinal cord.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제28권6호
• /
• pp.53-68
• /
• 2011

Objectives : This study was conducted to investigate status of electroacupuncture(EA) stimulation and adverse effects as a basic information of EA clinical treatment. Methods : The survey was carried twice by e-mail and online service against the traditional Korean medicine doctors registered in the Association of Korea Oriental Medicine. Results : Seventy-eight percent of 284 responders used the EA. The EA was the most widely used for the stimulation of the meridian-muscle on musculo-skeletal pain. In terms of methodological procedure, doctors mainly apply acupuncture with the needle of 2 or 3 pairs of 0.25mm diameter to the depth of 10-50mm for 15 minutes. Respondents used mainly at the frequency of 10Hz and the automatic setting at the intensity of around 3-4 grade. The adverse effects were investigated less then 3% in the 45.9% respondents and non in the 40.5%. The most priority content for better EA treatment was "development of the effective stimulation program". Conclusion : In the result of survey, the frequency of practical use of EA was very high but the applied disease was concentrated in the pain. Hereafter, if the clinical study for safety and effectiveness is secured and more convenient EA tool is developed, the clinical application of the EA is likely to be more expanded.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• 제20권3호
• /
• pp.117-130
• /
• 2003

To study the analgesic and effect and its mechanism of eletroacupunture(EA) on the chronic inflammatory pain 50 rats were induced with arthralgesia by injecting complete freund's adjuvant(CFA). Two weeks after the injection of CFA, EA stimulation(2Hz, 0.07mA, 0.3ms) was delivered to Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) for 20 minutes. Analgesic effect was evaluated by using the tail flick latency(TFL) and the analgesic mechanism was observed by applying TFL with the pretreatment with naloxone and yohimbine. The results were as follows ; 1. TFL level for the model of adjuvant-induced arthritis decreased as time went by and it induced the hyperalgesia. 2. EA stimulation delivered to Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) for 20 minutes in the rat model of adjuvant-induced arthritis brought analgesic effect and its effect had lasted for 40 minutes after the stimulation. 3. The analgesic effect of Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) EA in the rat model of adjuvant-induced arthritis was blocked by pretreatment with naloxone(2mg/kg,i.p). This result suggests that the EA effect on the chronic inflammatory pain can be related to the endogenous opioid mechanism. 4. The analgesic effect of Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) EA in the rat model of adjuvant-induced arthritis was blocked by pretreatment with naloxone(2mg/kg,i.p). This result suggests that the EA effect on the chronic inflammatory pain can be related to the ${\alpha}_2$-adrenergic mechanism.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• 제22권1호
• /
• pp.95-108
• /
• 2005

Objective : In the present study, the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) applied to several acupoints and non-acupoint in CFA-induced knee arthritis was examined. Methods : A common source of persistent pain in humans is arthritis. Arthritis was induced by injection of CFA $125\;{\mu}l$ into knee joint cavity under enflurane anesthesia. The rat subsequently showed swelling of the ankle and a reduced stepping force of the affected limb for the next several days. The reduced stepping force of the limb was presumably due to a painful knee. EA was applied to either of $LR_2,\;LI_4$, or non-acupoint on the contralateral forelimb for 30 min under gaseous anesthesia. After the termination of EA, behavioral tests measuring stepping force were periodically conducted during the next 4 h. Results : EA applied to $LR_2$ point produced a significant improvement of stepping force of the affected foot lasting for at least 2 h. However, neigher $LI_4$ point nor non-point produced any significant increase of weight bearing force. The improvement of stepping pressure was interpreted as an analgesic effect. The analgesic effect was specific to the acupuncture point since the analgesic effect on CFA-induced knee arthritic pain model could not be mimicked by EA applied to a point, $LI_4$ or non-acupoint. In addition, both NO production and iNOS protein expression increased by arthritis were suppressed by EA applied to $LR_2$ point. Conclusion : These data suggest that EA produces a potent analgesic effect in the rat model of CFA-induced knee arthritis. This analgesic effect is produced by applying EA to an acupoint at opposite side from the painful area in a stimulus point-specific way.