Electroacupuncture Promotes Central Nervous System-Dependent Release of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract

Electro-acupuncture (EA) performed in rats and humans using front-limb acupuncture sites, LI-4 and LI-11, and Du-14 and Du-20 increased functional connectivity between the anterior hypothalamus and the amygdala and mobilized mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into the systemic circulation. In human subjects, the source of the MSC was found to be primarily adipose tissue whereas in rodents the tissue sources were considered more heterogeneous. Pharmacological disinhibition of rat hypothalamus enhanced sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation and similarly resulted in a release of MSC into the circulation. EA-mediated SNS activation was further supported by browning of white adipose tissue in rats. EA treatment of rats undergoing partial rupture of the Achilles tendon resulted in reduced mechanical hyperalgesia, increased serum IL-10 levels and tendon remodeling, effects blocked in propranolol-treated rodents. To distinguish the afferent role of the peripheral nervous system, phosphoinositide-interacting regulator of transient receptor potential channels (Pirt)-GCaMP3 (genetically encoded calcium sensor) mice were treated with EA directed at hind limb immune points, ST-36 and Liv-3 and resulted in a rapid activation of primary sensory neurons. EA activated sensory ganglia and SNS centers to mediate the release of MSC that can enhance tissue repair, increase anti-inflammatory cytokine production and provide pronounced analgesic relief.

Bone marrow‐derived interstitial cells of cajal are increased by electroacupuncture in the colon of diabetic mice

“…Electroacupuncture promotes the migration of BMCs by speeding up the process of synthesis and secretion of various endogenous factors . SDF‐1/CXCR4 axis is an essential signal participating to promote migration of the stem cells.…”

“…Electroacupuncture promotes the migration of BMCs by speeding up the process of synthesis and secretion of various endogenous factors. 23 SDF-1/CXCR4 axis is an essential signal participating to promote migration of the stem cells. A study has shown that binding SDF-1 to its receptor, CXCR4, played a crucial role in the mobilization and migration of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into the injured skin.…”

Mechanism of Activating the Proprioceptive NT-3/TrkC Signalling Pathway by Reverse Intervention for the Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Hamstring Reflex Arc with Electroacupuncture

“…Both human and animal experiments have confirmed that electroacupuncture therapy has a definite effect on the treatment of pain, movement disturbance, tissue regeneration, and so on [ 39 – 44 ]. Some studies have found that the effects of acupuncture were mediated by the central nervous system, thus causing specific physiological effect that achieved the purpose of treatment and improved the growth of neurons, axonal regeneration, synaptic reconstruction, and the functional connection of target organs [ 45 , 46 ].…”

Spotlight on acupuncture in laboratory animal medicine

“… 68 In rats, electroacupuncture has also been shown to stimulate the release of mesenchymal stem cells that act to promote tissue repair, increase levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and enhance analgesia. 69 …”