• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.100-112
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• 2001

Objective : The purpose of this study is to investigate the immunological effect of Ramulus Cinnamomum aqua-acupuncture on the cellular immune response in mice with LPS induced arthritis. Methods : All the BALB/C mice used in this study were bred and maintaned in our pathogen-free mouse colony and were 6wk of age at the start of the experiment. The experimental model of arthritis was induced by injeciton of 300${\mu}g$/kg LPS in mice knee joint. Ramulus Cinnamomum aqua-acupuncture was injected into Yangnungchon(Gb34) of mice 2daily for 14days. Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out to assess CD4+, CD8+, CD11b, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2R and CD106 expression in common iliac lymph nodes and synovial menbrane after stimulation with Ramulus Cinnamomum. Electron microscopy was carried out to assess change of synovial membrane. Ramulus Cinnamomum aqua-acupuncture stimulation group was compared to control group and non stimutated with aqua-acupuncture. Resutts : At day 14 post arthritis onset, Immunohistological studies using monoclonal antibodies showed that Ramulus Cinnamomum aqua-acupuncture goup had decreased expression of CD4+, CD8+, CD11b, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2R and CD106 at common illiac lymph nodes and synovial membrane compared with control group. Conclusions : Ramulus Cinnamomum aqua-acupuncture stimulation inhibited the development of cellular immunity to LPS-induced arthritis in mice. Thus, aqua-acupuncture stimulation may have preventive effects on autoimmune inflammatory joint diseases. The effects of AA on immune function and disease activity in patients with RA warrant further investigation.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.157-169
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• 2001

Objective : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects on WBC counts and each differential of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes in whole blood sample of each experimental Aqua-acupuncture treated mice groups PCortex Ulmi Pumilae(CU), Ramulus Cinnamomum(RC), Radix Achyranthes(RA), Apitoxin(BV), Calculus Bovis Fel Ursi Moschus compound(BUM). Materials & Method : All the BALB/c mice used in this study were bred and maintained in our pathogen-free mouse facility and were 6 weeks of age at the start of the experiment. The experimental model of arthritis was induced by injecting 300${\mu}g$/kg LPS to all mice knee joint. The each of Aqua-acupuncture(Cortex Ulmi Pumilae, Ramulus Cinnamomum, Radix Achyranthes, Apitoxin, Calculus Bovis Fel Ursi Moschus compound) was injected into GB34(陽陵泉) of mice groups every other day for 6 times. And the WBC counts and each differential of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes were measured at the 3rd, 7th and 14th day after LPS injection. Results : 1. The WBC counts were significantly decreased compared with the control(CON) group in every Aqua-acupuncture groups at all days. And at the 14th day, BV & BUM groups were more significantly decreased than RA group. 2. The Neutrophil's ratio was significantty increased compared with the CON group in CU & RC groups at the 3rd day and RC group was more significant than CU group. But at the 7th and 14th day, every Aqua-acupuncture groups were significantly increased compared with the CON group and at the 7th day, RC group was more significant than RA, BV & BUM groups and at the 14th day, RC, BV & BUM groups were more significant than RA group. 3. The Lymphocyte's ratio was significantly decreased compared with the CON group in RC group at the 3rd day. At the 7th day, CU, RC & BV groups were significantly decreased compared with the CON group. At the 14th day, every Aqua-acupuncture groups were significantly decreased compared with the CON group and RC group was more significant than RA group, 4. The Monocyte's ratio was significantly decreased compared with the CON group in every Aqua-acupuncture groups at the 7th day. At the 14th day, BV & BUM groups were significantly decreased compared with the CON group. Conclusion : According to the above results, it was concluded that CU & RC groups were more effective at the early period of this experiment, and at the latter period, BV & BUM groups were more effective than others. RA group was less effctive than others.