Sympathetic nerve activity after acupuncture in humans

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine if acupuncture stimulation inhibits sympathetic nerve activity in humans. Multiunit efferent postganglionic sympathetic activity was recorded with a tungsten microelectrode inserted in a muscle fascicle of the peroneal nerve. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate and skin blood flow were also monitored. Pain thresholds were measured by electrical tooth pain stimulation. After a 30 min rest, acupuncture needles were inserted bilaterally into the Li 11 and the Li 4 acupuncture points, and manipulated until 'chi' cramp-like sensation was reported. Electrical stimulation (2 Hz, 0.6-0.8 ms duration, maximal tolerated stimulation without discomfort) was delivered for 30 min and the physiological recordings were continued for 90 min after the end of acupuncture. In a placebo control experiment, the same procedure was followed, except that acupuncture needles were inserted subcutaneously and no manipulation or stimulation was given. The stimulator delivered pulses to an unconnected channel, hence, the same audiovisual stimuli were experienced as with acupuncture, and care was taken to ask the same questions about sensations in the placebo and the acupuncture groups. Electroacupuncture produced an increase in pain threshold which was paralleled by a transient increase in muscle sympathetic nerve activity. During acupuncture, there was a small increase in heart rate and mean arterial pressure, but there was no post-acupuncture hypotension. The placebo control procedure did not change pain threshold or sympathetic nerve traffic. The findings suggest that electroacupuncture produces moderate hypoalgesia in humans paralleled by a significant increase in muscle sympathetic nerve activity.

The Effect of Acupuncture on Muscle Blood Volume and Oxygenation

“…However, there is also some evidence for decreasing blood pressure via acupuncture-induced suppressed response of SNA even in normotensive animal experiments (Ohsawa et al, 1995). The discrepancy in SNA response reported in the study of Knardahl et al (1998) and ours might be due to the degree of central command or mental stress from the AS that is known to bring about an increase in SNA (Anderson et al, 1987). Central circulation is one of the determinant factors for peripheral circulation.…”

“…There are several reports regarding the influence of AS on SNA in animals and humans. In the line of the results obtained from hypertensive animal experiments (Yao et al, 1982), Knardahl et al (1998) hypothesized that SNA would decrease during AS by reducing stress. However, they found an increase in SNA during AS in humans.…”

“…However, they found an increase in SNA during AS in humans. They speculated that the discrepancy between the finding in hypertensive animals (Yao et al, 1982) and the lack of acupunctureinduced sympathoinhibition (Knardahl et al, 1998) could be attributable to a difference in responsiveness related to normo-versus hypertension. However, there is also some evidence for decreasing blood pressure via acupuncture-induced suppressed response of SNA even in normotensive animal experiments (Ohsawa et al, 1995).…”

Is acupuncture effective in treatment of hot flashes?

“…Akupunktura dzięki rozwojowi nowoczesnych metod diagnostycznych i badań obrazowych znajduje potwierdzenie i zrozumienie swojego działania w wielu jednostkach chorobowych [24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34]. Mechanizm fizjologicznego działania akupunktury nie jest do końca znany, ale wiadomo, że odbywa się ono poprzez wpływ na funkcjonowanie autonomicznego układ nerwowego [35][36][37], a także na kortyzol [38,39], oksytocynę [40,41], β-endorfiny [42], serotoninę [43,44] cytokininy [45,46] oraz zmiany w sieci połączeń międzykomórkowych [47]. Akupunktura wpływa też na aktywność serotoniny i noradrenaliny w ośrodkowym układzie nerwowym [48,49], mogąc stabilizować ośrodek termoregulacji [50].…”

Complementary treatment in endometriosis

“…Mechanizm fizjologicznego działania akupunktury nie jest do końca znany, ale wiadomo, że działanie to odbywa się poprzez wpływ na funkcjonowanie autonomicznego układ nerwowego [36,37], a także na kortyzol [38], oksytocynę [39], β-endorfiny [40], serotoninę [41] cytokininy [42,43] oraz zmiany w sieci połączeń międzykomórkowych [44]. Akupunktura wpływa też na aktywność serotoniny i noradrenaliny w ośrodkowym układzie nerwowym [45].…”