Improved methods for electroacupuncture and electromyographic recordings in normal and parkinsonian rhesus monkeys

Abstract

Although acupuncture has been widely and routinely used in healthcare in the USA, its use has been based more on empirical observation than on scientific knowledge. Therefore, there is a great need for better understanding the underlying mechanism(s) of action. A great body of evidence supports that nonhuman primates are a candidate for studying human diseases. However, the use of nonhuman primates in neurophysiological, neuroimaging and neurochemical studies is extremely challenging, especially under fully conscious, alert conditions. In the present study, we developed a protocol for safely performing acupuncture, electro-acupuncture (EA) and electromyography (EMG) in both normal nonhuman primates and animals with parkinsonian-like symptoms. Four normal and four hemiparkinsonian middle-aged rhesus monkeys were extensively trained, behaviorally monitored, and received both EA and EMG for several months. The results demonstrated that (1) all rhesus monkeys used in the study could be trained for procedures including EA and EMG; (2) all animals tolerated the procedures involving needle/electrode insertion; (3) EA procedures used in the study did not adversely alter the animal’s locomotor activities; rather, MPTP-treated animals showed a significant improvement in movement speed; and (4) EMG detected significant differences in muscle activity between the arms with and without MPTP-induced rigidity. Our results support that rhesus monkeys can be used as an experimental animal model to study EA and that EMG has the potential to be used to objectively assess the effects of antiparkinsonian therapies. The results also indicate that animals, especially those with parkinsonian-like symptoms, could benefit from long-term EA stimulations.

Nonhuman Primates

“…Chimpanzees have been trained to voluntarily present body parts for acupuncture therapy and hold a position for the time needed to complete the acupuncture treatment (Magden et al, 2013) (Fig. Rhesus monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and owl monkeys can be habituated to gentle restraint in order to administer acupuncture treatments (Zhao et al, 2010;Magden, personal communication, 2014) (Fig. Rhesus monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and owl monkeys can be habituated to gentle restraint in order to administer acupuncture treatments (Zhao et al, 2010;Magden, personal communication, 2014) (Fig.…”

The Role of Group II Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in the Striatum in Electroacupuncture Treatment of Parkinsonian Rats

“…Acupuncture or electroacupuncture (EA) has long been used to alleviate the symptoms of patients with PD and improve their quality of life . In fact, studies have consistently demonstrated that high‐frequency EA stimulation (100 Hz) alleviated movement disorders in various parkinsonian models, including the medial forebrain bundle (MFB)‐transected rat model , the 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) lesion rat model , the 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) lesion mouse model , and the rhesus monkey model . Additionally, combined treatment with acupuncture reduced the effective dose and alleviated adverse effects of levodopa (L‐dopa) .…”

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Electroacupuncture in the Respiratory System of a Symptomatic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Animal Model

“…Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating inflammatory diseases (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis) [18] and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease [19] , Parkinson's disease [20] and ALS [3] . However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of acupuncture remain unclear.…”