• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.211-220
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• 2007

Objectives : This study was to investigate the effect of high frequency electroacupuncture at $ST_{36}$ acupuncture point on the Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) induced rat arthritis pain model. Methods : Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of CFA into base of tail. Experimental groups were divided into 4 groups; Normal, Control and Jok-Samri ($ST_{36}$) and Non-Acupuncture point (NA). Normal group, non-arthritic group, was injected with normal saline，and the others groups were injected CFA. $ST_{36}$ group was treated by 120 Hz electroacupuncture at $ST_{36}$ acupuncture point, and NA group was treated by 120 Hz electroacupuncture at non-acupuncture point. Each groups were evaluated by the change of c-fos positive neurons in periaqueductal gray (PAG) and hippocampus by using an image analyzer and a microscope. Results: - In the PAG region, the number of fos-positive cells in the $ST_{36}$ group ($42.37{\pm}5.08$) were significantly (p<0.05) decreased compared with the control group ($64.56{\pm}6.35$). - In the PAG region, the number of fos-positive cells in the NA group were meaninglessly decreased compared with the control group - In the Cornu Ammonis(CA)l region of hippocampus, the number of fos-positive cells in the $ST_{36}$ group ($7.00{\pm}1.08$) and NA group ($5.56{\pm}2.01$) were significantly (p<0.05) decreased compared with the control group ($13.81{\pm}1.24$). - In the dentate gyrus region of hippocampus, the number of fos- positive cells in the $ST_{36}$ group ($10.75{\pm}0.98$) and NA group ($6.56{\pm}0.78$) were significantly (p$26.45{\pm}1.82$). Conclusions : It is expected that high frequency electroacupuncture can be used a treatment of arthritic pain.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.57-66
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• 2005

Objectives : We examined the effects of electroacupuncture on the cholecystokinin-octapeptide-induced acute pancreatitis in rats. Methods : Rats were administered with $75{\mu}g/kg$ cholecystokinin-octapeptide subcutaneously three times (1, 3 and 5h after shaving) for 5days. Three days after finishing cholecystokinin-octapeptide administration, high frequency electroacupuncture (100Hz) and low frequency electroacupuncture (2Hz) were applied to acupoint equivalent to ST36 (Zusanli) for 7 days. The author determined the pancreatic weight/body weight ratio, the levels of pancreatic heat shock protein HSP60 and HSP72. The author also assay the secretion of ${\beta}-amylase$, lipase and pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum. Repeated cholecysokinin-octapeptide treatment resulted in the typical laboratory and morphological changes of experimentally induced pancreatitis. Results : Eelectroacupuncture significantly decreased the pancreatic weight/body weight ratio in cholecystokinin-octapeptide-induced acute pancreatitis, increased the pancreatic levels of HSP60 and HSP72, and decreased ${\beta}-amylase$ and lipase levels in cholecystokinin-octapeptide-induced acute pancreatitis. Additionally, the secretion of $Interleukin-1{\beta}$ and tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ was decreased in the animals treated with electroacupuncture. Conclusion : These results suggest that electroacupuncture may have protective effects against cholecystokinin-octapeptide-induced acute pancreatitis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.193-204
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• 2002

Interstital cystitis(IC) is a disease of the bladder that is characterized by inveterate irritation due to non-specific chronic inflammation. The symptoms of IC are chronic pain, frequency, urgency and sleep deprivation These symptom's are contained to the Lunbing(淋病) in oriental medicine. We observed 4 cases of patient with Interstitial cystitis, the results are as follows. Methods & Results : All patients were treated by the same method. Treatment was performed by means of Hapgokja(合谷刺, The needle arrived to the bladder wall) with electroacupuncture(electric stimulation was 5mA mixed pulse, low frequency 2Hz and high frequency 30Hz, intensity was adjusted to inside the scope where the patients perseveres.) The electrodes were placed CV2 to CV3, both K11, K12. Conclusions : 1. As the result, uses the Hapgokja(合谷刺), with the electroacupuncture, symptoms are remarkably improved and got the satisfactory effect in the treatment. 2. In Hunner's ulcer type, the first treatment was not satisfactory, and second time, after 15 times treatment, there were maintain urgency, 8 times nocturia, 70 percents bladder pain. 3. 3 patients of nonulcer type were treated for 44.8 times(average) and improved started after 5 times treatment. After 2 month's treatment, there were no frequency, no urgency, and remain 1 or 2 nocturia, 30 percents bladder pain.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.101-115
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• 2004

Objective : The present studies investigated the effects of 120 Hz high frequency electroacupuncture (EA) on the stress-induced stomach dysfunction in relation to its effect on the level of stress hormones and gastric mucosal damages. The gastric mucosal injury was induced by cold-restraint stress and two acupoints corresponding to Zusanli and Sanyinjiao in man were used. Methods : Cold-restraint stress produced typical gastric lesions in all rats of the stressed groups, but the number of ulcers as well as the mean ulcer diameter were reduced by 120 Hz EA pre-treatment. Results : The degranulation value of gastric mast cell was significantly higher in cold-restrained rats than in control ones. However, with the significant reduction of degranulation values of gastric mast cells in EA pre-treated rats compared with cold-restrained rats. Cold-restarint stress induced an elevated mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory gene such as cyclooxygenases-2 and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, but these expression were down-regulated in EA pre-treated rats. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that while the $inhibitory-{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$ immunorection in the surface epithelium of the stomach tended to increase, both reactions in the EA pre-treated rats showed similar pattern as observed in controls. Conclusion : These results suggest that 120 Hz EA may act as a therapeutical means for gastric mucosal damages through an activation of pituitary adrenal system. It could be concluded that 120 Hz high frequency electroaucupuncture affords a good protective potential against stress-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.177-193
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• 2003

Objective : The present studies investigated the effects of 120Hz high frequency electroacupunctue(EA) on the stress-induced stomach dysfunction in relation to its effect on the level of stress hormone and gastric mucosal damages. The gastric mucosal injury was induced by cold-restraint stress and two acupoints corresponding to Zusanli and Sanyinjiao in man were used. Methods: Cold-restraint stress produced typical gastric lesions in all rats of the stressed groups, but he number of ulcers as well as the mean ulcer diameter were reduced by 120 Hz EA pre-treatment. The cold-restraint stress also induced an increase in catecholamine response involving epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine, but an slight decline were observed in EA pre-treated rats compared with cold-restrained rats. Results: The degranulation value of gastric mast cell was significantly higher in cold-restrained rats than in control ones. However, with the significant reduction of degranulation values of gastric mast cells in EA pre-treated rats compared with cold-restrained ones, $PGE_2$ content in the gastric mucosa of EA pre-treated rats was also different from that observed in cold-restrained rats. Cold-restraint stress induced an elevated mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory gene such as cyclooxygenases-2 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-${\alpha}$, but these expression were down-regulated in EA pre-treated rats. Immunohistochemecal analysis showed that while the inhibitory-${\kappa}B{\alpha}$ an TNF-${\alpha}$ immunoreaction in the surface epithelium of the stomach tended to increase, both reactions in the EA pre-treated rats showed similar pattern as observed in controls. Conclusions : These results suggest that 120 Hz EA may act as a therapeutical means for gastric mucosal damages through a activation of pituitary adrenal system. it could be concluded that 120 hz high frequency electroacupuncture affords a good protective potential against stress-induce gastrointestinal dysfunction.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.111-123
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• 2009

Objective : The purpose of this study is to observe the effect of high frequency electro-acupuncture (hf-EA) at Yanglingquan(GB34) on $CCl_4$-induced liver damage in rats. Methods : The author performed several experimental items, including measurements of body weight and liver weight, hematological analysis for RBC, WBC, PLT, hemoglobin, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and biochemical assays for ALT, AST, ALP and total cholesterol in serum, and histological analysis of liver tissue. Results & Conclusion : 1. WBC level in blood was slightly reduced by acupuncture and hf-EA at GB34. 2. Lymphocyte level in blood was decreased by $CCl_4$-intoxication and significantly increased by acupuncture and hf-EA at GB34. 3. Neutrophils level in blood was slightly reduced by acupuncture and hf-EA at GB34. 4. ALT and AST in serum were reduced significantly by acupuncture and hf-EA at GB34. 5. The pathological changes of liver tissue induced by $CCl_4$ was reduced by hf-EA at GB34. 6. No significant difference was found between the effects of acupuncture and hf-EA on CCl4-induced liver damage in rats.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.15-23
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• 2003

Objective : The role of high frequency 120 Hz electroacupuncture(EA) in carrageenan-induced pain was studied by examining the alnalgesic effects, and prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$ levels measurement and spinal N-methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA) receptor expression. Inflammation was induced by an intraplantar injection of 1% carrageenan into the right hind paw. Method : Bilateral EA stimulation with 120 Hz were delivered at those acupoints corresponding to Zusanli and Sanyinjiao in man via the needles for a total of 30 min duration in carrageenan-injected rats. Results : EA stimulation showed significant analgesic effects as measured by analgesy-meter at all time points tested compared with controls. Three hours after carrageenan injection, PGE2 levels were measured by commercial kit. EA significantly inhibited PGE2 production in the right paw. The number of NR1 and NR2A, NMDA receptor, immunoreactive neurons was significantly increased in the superficial dorsal horn(laminae I-II) and nucleus proprius(laminae III-IV) of ipsilateral spinal cord at L4-5. But the number of carrageenan-induced NR1 and NR2A immunoreactive neuron, especially NR1 immunoreaction in the superficial dorsal horn, was reduced by 120 Hz EA stimulation. Conclusions : These results indicate that NMDA receptors may mediate transmission of nociceptive information originating in tissue inflammation of hind paw and high frequency 120 Hz EA stimulation have an alleviating action against local inflammatory pain.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.17-28
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• 1998

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of different stimulation-duration of high frequency electroacupuncturet(EA) treatment on the neuronal activities in the spinal cord and brainstem using Fos immunohistochemical technique. Three different stimulus-duration was used in this experiment : 30minutes, 1 hour and 2 hours. The summerized results were summerized as follow : 1. The number of Fos expression was significantly increased in the spinal cord dorsal horn depending upon the increase of stimulus-duration (P<0.05). Otherwise, there was no significant difference between 30 minutes EA treated group and anesthetic control. 2. High frequency EA biphasic stimulation significantly enhanced the Fos expression in the DR, middle and rostral portion of PAG LD, and caudal PAG LV after 1 hour and 2 hours treatment. The number of Fos immunoreactive neuron in the brainstem was increased accorcting to the length of stimulus-duration. Those results indicate that at least 1 hour EA treatment was necessary to increase the neuronal activities in the spinal cord and brainstem. Those basic data from this study can be applied to establish the effective treatment of EA for pain control in the clinical field.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.29-36
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• 2007

Electroacupuncture(EA) is known to affect various autonomic functions such as blood pressure regulation, immune modulation and the improvement of disorders concerning autonomic functions. The aim of the present study was to establish whether EA has an immune-enhancing effect. ICR mice weighing 20 to 25g were divided into four groups: Group I(n=6), blank; Group II(n=6), control; Group III(Zusanli, n=6), low frequency-EA(10Hz of electrical stimulation), and Group IV(Zusanli, n=6), high frequency-EA (100Hz of electrical stimulation). For this study, we investigated expressions of spleen heat shock protein (HSP)70, HSP90 and secretions of cytokines. A Forced Swimming Test(FST) was performed as a model of activity test in mice. After three days of the FST, 10Hz EA($114.8{\pm}7.27s$) and 100Hz EA($147.5{\pm}1.29s$) immobility time significantly decreased compared with the control group($157.2{\pm}1.48s$). After seven days, 10Hz EA($124{\pm}1s$) and 100Hz EA($141{\pm}4.24s$) also significantly decreased immobility time compared with the control group($168{\pm}7.93s$). 10Hz EA and 100Hz EA increased the expression of HSP70 but did not change that of HSP90. 100Hz EA increased secretions of IL-6 and IL-12 compared with the control group however, 10Hz EA failed to change those of IL-6 and IL-12. The present results suggest that EA may be useful for down-regulated immune diseases.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.20-32
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• 2012

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of acupuncture and electro-acupuncture (EA) of low and high frequencies at Haegye (ST41) in rats. Methods: The intestinal motility of rats was experimentally suppressed with loperamide. Acupuncture, low frequency EA and high frequency EA were carried out before the loperamide administration in the pre-treatment group, and after the loperamide administration in the post-treatment group. The rats were fed charcoal and the travel rate of charcoal in the gastrointestinal track was measured to analyze the effect of acupuncture, low frequency EA and high frequency EA on the intestinal hypo-motility. Results: 1. None of acupuncture, low frequency EA or high frequency EA at ST41 showed significant influences on intestinal motility of rats in normal status. 2. Pre-treatment with acupuncture at ST41 showed no significant effect on the intestinal hypo-motility induced by loperamide in rats. 3. Pre-treatment with low frequency EA and high frequency EA at ST41 significantly reduced the suppression of intestinal motility by loperamide in rats. 4. Post-treatment of acupuncture, low frequency EA and high frequency EA at ST41 had no significant influences on the intestinal hypo-motility induced by loperamide in rats. Conclusions: These results suggest that low and high frequency EA at ST41 may be effective to prevent gastric disorders such as intestinal hypo-motility.