Blood Fluidity Enhancement by Electrical Acupuncture Stimulation is Related to an Adrenergic Mechanism

Abstract

We have reported that electrical acupuncture stimulation (ACU) increases blood fluidity by decreasing platelet aggregation. In this study, we investigated the mechanism causing the increase of blood fluidity. The effects of ACU on blood fluidity and platelet adhesion were examined using a Micro Channel Array Flow Analyzer (MC-FAN) and a laser scattering platelet aggregometer (PA-20). Male Wistar rats (7-8 weeks old) were used in the study. ACU (1 or 100 Hz, 3-5 V), which causes slight muscle twitching, was applied to the ZuSanli (ST-36) acupoint for 15 or 60 minutes once/day. Blood samples were collected from the inferior vena cava. ACU applied to ST-36 revealed significant increases in blood fluidity, while platelet adhesion activity decreased, regardless of the difference of stimulus time. The acupuncture had an immediate effect. Even if naloxone was administered during acupuncture stimulus, the blood flow time shortened in a similar way, as in the only acupuncture stimulus group. In addition, the effect of acupuncture on blood fluidity was inhibited by a β-antagonist. The results indicate that ACU affects blood fluidity depending on the acupoints, and that the effect of ACU might involve an endogenous adrenergic mechanism.

Changes in Blood Fluidity Caused by Electroacupuncture Stimulation

“…The influence of the stimulation frequency was investigated [9]. Acupuncture stimuli were applied for 60 minutes at 1 Hz or 100 Hz at 3e5 V at the Zusanli acupoint under anesthesia.…”

“…The influence of naloxone, an antagonist of endogenous opioids, was investigated [9]. In the experimental group, the Zusanli acupoint was stimulated for 60 minutes while injecting naloxone [5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)]…”

“…The influences of sympathetic agonists and antagonists on blood flow were investigated [9]. Phenylephrine was used as an a-agonist, phentolamine as an a-antagonist, isoproterenol as a b-agonist, and propranolol as a b-antagonist.…”

“…The blood-flow time increased with the administration of an a-agonist and a b-antagonist and decreased with the administration of a b-agonist and an a-antagonist. The effects of acupuncture combined with an adrenergic drug on blood fluidity were investigated to gain an insight into the reaction mechanism [9]. The b-antagonist was administered via the i.p.…”

“…In our preliminary research [8,9], acupuncture stimuli were very effective in treating conditions associated with a decrease in blood fluidity, such as "Oketsu." In this review, recent progress in acupuncture therapy and reported mechanisms of action are discussed; then, the original findings on these topics are focused on.…”