Effects of Acupuncture on Serum Cortisol Level and Dopamine Beta-hydroxylase Activity in Normal Chinese

Abstract

Serum cortisol levels were determined in 40 normal Chinese and dopamine beta-hydroxylase activities were measured in 22 normal subjects before and after acupuncture treatment. All subjects were studied twice with an interval of one week or more. In the self-control study, the subjects were needled at 5 non-acupuncture loci. In the experimental study, they were needled at the following 5 traditional acupuncture loci--right side GB-20, both sides EH-6, and both sides St-36. Blood samples were withdrawn before acupuncture and 15 and 45 min. after acupuncture. No change of serum dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity was observed. Serum cortisol levels increased significantly after needling on the traditional acupuncture loci. After acupuncture for 15 and 45 min., the cortisol increase was 28 and 50%, respectively, as compared to the self-control studies. The beneficial effect of acupuncture in the treatment of functional disorders, therefore, may be mediated by cortisol or other hormones and neurohormones.

Corticosterone mediates electroacupuncture-produced anti-edema in a rat model of inflammation

“…Collectively, these studies corroborate our finding that EA works differently in healthy than in pathological conditions. Others have reported, however, that acupuncture increased serum levels of cortisol in healthy humans and horses [13,14]. This discrepancy may be due to differences in the subjects used in the studies.…”

“…Previous studies on uninjured animals reported that acupuncture increases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) [11,12] and glucocorticoid [13][14][15]. Since adrenal glands secrete glucocorticoids such as cortisol in humans [13]and horses [14] and corticosterone (CORT) in rabbits [15], these studies suggest that EA may activate the adrenals to increase glucocorticoid secretion, leading to suppression of inflammatory responses.…”

Corticosterone mediates electroacupuncture-produced anti-edema in a rat model of inflammation

“…Previous studies on uninjured animals reported that acupuncture increases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) [11,12] and glucocorticoid [13-15]. Since adrenal glands secrete glucocorticoids such as cortisol in humans [13]and horses [14] and corticosterone (CORT) in rabbits [15], these studies suggest that EA may activate the adrenals to increase glucocorticoid secretion, leading to suppression of inflammatory responses.…”

Acupuncture Therapies for Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Several theories have been proposed, including mechanisms involving the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the autonomic nervous system, and brain derived neurotrophic factor [12]. Electroacupuncture may result in release of β-endorphin and corticotrophin into the peripheral blood [35] and lead to increased serum cortisol levels [36]. Activation of the hypothalamus and limbic system after acupuncture has been demonstrated on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) [37].…”