Acupuncture Attenuates Anxiety‐Like Behavior by Normalizing Amygdaloid Catecholamines during Ethanol Withdrawal in Rats

Abstract

Previously, we demonstrated acupuncture at acupoint HT7 (Shen-Men) attenuated ethanol withdrawal syndrome by normalizing the dopamine release in nucleus accumbens shell. In the present study, we investigated the effect of acupuncture on anxiety-like behavior in rats and its relevant mechanism by studying neuro-endocrine parameters during ethanol withdrawal. Rats were treated with 3 g kg−1day−1 of ethanol (20%, w/v) or saline by intraperitoneal injections for 28 days. The rats undergoing ethanol withdrawal exhibited anxiety-like behavior 72 h after the last dose of ethanol characterized by the decrease of time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze compared with the saline-treated rats (P < .05). Radioimmunoassay exhibited there were notably increased concentrations of plasma corticosterone in ethanol-withdrawn rats compared with saline-treated rats (P < .05). Additionally, high performance liquid chromatography analysis also showed the levels of norepinephrine and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol were markedly increased while the levels of dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid were significantly decreased in the central nucleus of the amygdala of ethanol-withdrawn rats compared with saline-treated rats (P < .01). Acupuncture groups were treated with acupuncture at acupoint HT7 or PC6 (Nei-Guan). Acupuncture at HT7 but not PC6 greatly attenuated the anxiety-like behavior during ethanol withdrawal as evidenced by significant increases in the percentage of time spent in open arms (P < .05). In the meantime, acupuncture at HT7 also markedly inhibited the alterations of neuro-endocrine parameters induced by ethanol withdrawal (P < .05). These results suggest that acupuncture may attenuate anxiety-like behavior during ethanol withdrawal through regulation of neuro-endocrine system.

Hypothalamic Norepinephrine Mediates Acupunctural Effects on Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis During Ethanol Withdrawal

“…that the selective NEergic alpha1 receptor antagonist prazosin concurrently blocks the anxiety and the increase in ethanol intake induced by EW, reflecting the positive correlation between the NEergic system and the HPA in the regulation of ethanol consumption. The simultaneous hyperactivation of NE and CRF in the central nervous system during EW has also been demonstrated in our previous studies showing elevated activation in both amygdaloid NE and CRF during EW [8,9]. Additionally, in a recently published study, we also reported increased CRF protein expression in the rat PVN 24 hours after cessation of ethanol administration [12].…”

“…Acute ethanol increases hypothalamic NE neosynthesis [4] and plasma corticosterone (CORT) secretion [5], and chronic ethanol can produce elevated blood glucocorticoid levels as well as increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system [6]. Dar and Wooles [7] have reported increased hypothalamic NE concentrations in EW mice, and we have also demonstrated that EW raises amygdaloid NE and CRF mRNA levels in rats [8,9].…”

“…In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture exerts its therapeutic effects on alcoholism by restoring the homeostasis of the body via rectifying the disturbed biochemical balance [8]. The PVN CRF plays a critical role in the neuroendocrinological mediation of homeostasis in the body, and its activity is regulated by catecholamines.…”

Patients’ experience of auricular acupuncture during protracted withdrawal

“…, , Zhao et al . ). Several respondents in our study experienced that their ability to focus was sharpened, as well as their ability to deal with everyday issues.…”

“…Studies on rats reinforce this hypothesis (Zhao et al . ), suggesting acupuncture may lead to fewer symptoms of ethanol withdrawal (Lee et al . ).…”