Acupuncture Resolves Persistent Pain and Neuroinflammation in a Mouse Model of Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions

Abstract

Patients with chronic overlapping pain conditions have decreased levels of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), an enzyme that metabolizes catecholamines. Consistent with clinical syndromes, we previously demonstrated that COMT inhibition in rodents produces persistent pain and heightened immune responses. Here, we sought to determine the efficacy of manual acupuncture in resolving persistent pain and neuroinflammation in the classic inbred C57BL/6 strain and the rapid-wound healing MRL/MpJ strain. Mice received subcutaneous osmotic minipumps to deliver the COMT inhibitor OR486 or vehicle for 13 days. On day 7 after pump implantation, acupuncture was performed at the Zusanli (ST36) point or a non-acupoint for 6 consecutive days. Behavioral responses to mechanical stimuli were measured throughout the experiment. Immunohistochemical analysis of spinal phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, a marker of inflammation, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, a marker of astrogliosis, was performed on day 13. Results demonstrated that ST36, but not sham, acupuncture resolved mechanical hypersensitivity and reduced OR486-dependent increases in phosphorylated p38 and glial fibrillary acidic protein in both strains. The magnitude of the analgesic response was greater in MRL/MpJ mice. These findings indicate acupuncture as an effective treatment for persistent pain linked to abnormalities in catecholamine signaling and, furthermore, that analgesic efficacy may be influenced by genetic differences. PERSPECTIVE: Chronic overlapping pain conditions remain ineffectively managed by conventional pharmacotherapies. Here, we demonstrate that acupuncture alleviates persistent pain and neuroinflammation linked to heightened catecholaminergic tone. Mice with superior healing capacity exhibit greater analgesic efficacy. Findings indicate acupuncture as an effective treatment for chronic overlapping pain conditions and provide insight into treatment response variability.

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Attenuates Lung Injury Caused by Tourniquet-induced Limb Ischemia/reperfusion During Lower Extremity Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In the traditional Chinese Medicine theory, ZuSanLi (ST36) acupoint is highly praised in health care and clinical treatment for modulating the Qi-blood balance. Recent study proved that acupuncture at ZuSanLi (ST36) could alleviate neuroin ammation and persistent pain [22]. In addition, FeiShu (BL13) locates along the sides of spine and close to the lungs, is the major acupoint for treating lung diseases.…”

Acupuncture on ST36, CV4 and KI1 Suppresses the Progression of Methionine- and Choline-Deficient Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice

“…Given its safety and few side effects, this major TCM has been widely used to treat various diseases and symptoms, especially chronic metabolic illness [20]. Many modern studies have proven the efficacy of acupuncture against a wide range of diseases [21][22][23]. However, due to lack of understanding of the mechanisms underlying its action, acupuncture is the subject of severe controversy, with its effects proposed to be placebo effects [24].…”

“…The KI1 acupoint is located in the middle of the hind paw. The pubic symphysis was obliquely stabbed at point CV4 at the mouse abdomen median line, 10 mm below the navel [22,42,43] (Figure 6B). AG mice received acupuncture at both sides of ST36 and CV4 with 13-mm needles.…”

CBS‐Induced H2S Generation in Hippocampus Inhibits EA‐Induced Analgesia

“…To investigate the efficacy of EA in chronic inflammatory pain, we injected CFA in the right plantar surface of the hind paw and measured responses to the thermal stimuli in separate groups at a different time point. We chose the ST36 acupuncture point, which is one of the most frequently used acupoints for pain relief [28,29] (Figure 1(a)). After one day, different groups received acupuncture treatments with different stimulated parameters at ST36, and then we measured changes of TWL on mice (Figures 1(b)-1(e)).…”