Acupoint specificity on acupuncture regulation of hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal cortex axis function

Abstract

BackgroundThe hypothalamus is an essential part of the brain that responds to a variety of signaling including stressful stimulations and acupuncture signals. It is also the key element of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex axis(HPAA). The effect of acupuncture is transmitted into the brain from the distance sensory receptor around the acupoints via peripheral nerves and body fluid. In vivo recording the activities of stress reaction neurons (SRNs, CRH-like neurons) in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in response to the stimulations from different acupoints could therefore objectively reflect the acupuncture afferent effect.MethodsIn this study, the electrophysiological method was adopted to record synchronously the activities of 43 CRH-like neurons after acupuncture stimulations at 33 acupoints located at the different regions. The acupoints that specifically activate certain CRH-like neurons (specificity acupoints) were selected. Furthermore, we investigated in a rat model of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) whether these specificity acupoints regulate HPAA function. The endpoints of measurement include corticosterone (CORT) level in peripheral blood, the expressions of corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) protein in PVN and the animal behavioral performance.ResultsOur results reveal that Shenshu (BL23), Ganshu (BL18), Qimen (LR14), Jingmen (GB25), Riyue (GB24), Zangmen (LR13), Dazui (DU14) and auricular concha region (ACR) are the specificity acupoints; and Gallbladder, Liver and Du Channels were the specificity Channels. The acupoints on Gallbladder Channel and the acupoints innervated by the same spinal cord segments as the adrenal gland demonstrated dramatic effects.ConclusionsThis study provides a new platform to further explore acupoints specificity in the regulation of HPAA activities.

Electroacupuncture at Zusanli and at Neiguan characterized point specificity in the brain by metabolomic analysis

“…3). The specificity of acupoints and the meridian in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus was reported in a study using acupuncture stimulation at different 33 points 28 . EA at PC6 or ST36 can elevate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) mRNA levels in the hypothalamus of female rats 29 .…”

Neuromechanism of acupuncture regulating gastrointestinal motility

“…Studies have shown that corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) activates DMV neurons and decreases gastric motility via activation of the vagal NANC pathway[ 181 ]. Few data are available focusing on acupuncture-mediated regulation of CRH function, and these data suggest that acupuncture could activate CRH-like neurons and modulate the expression of CRH and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the PVN[ 182 ]. Rinaman et al[ 183 ] showed that the PVN is the sole source of OT-immunopositive fibers and terminals in the DVC.…”

A Literature Review of Women’s Sex Hormone Changes by Acupuncture Treatment: Analysis of Human and Animal Studies

“…It was studied how acupoint specificity affects hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex axis (HPAA) regulation. In addition, it was suggested that acupuncture altered stress reaction neurons in paraventricular nucleus [41]. One of the key factors in brain activity and homeostasis regulation, Neuropeptide Y (NPY), which is highly concentrated in hypothalamus, is involved in the regulation of various physiological functions such as energy homeostasis and stress-related behavior process.…”