Lack of association between acupoint sensitization and microcirculatory structural changes in a mouse model of knee osteoarthritis: A pilot study

Abstract

As a stimulating point in acupuncture, acupoint has unique microcirculatory features, and its dynamics vary greatly depending on health status. Acupoint sensitization is defined as the transformation of an acupoint from a “silenced status” (healthy) to an “activated status” (disease). Our previous study demonstrated that acupoint sensitization is associated with an increase in the level of local blood perfusion. However, the structural changes in microcirculation during acupoint sensitization have yet to be elucidated because the high‐resolution microcirculation imaging of acupoints has been difficult to obtain. In this study, the structural changes in microcirculation at the Zusanli (ST36), Yanglingquan (GB34) and nonacupoint sites on days 0, 7 and 21 were dynamically observed during acupoint sensitization in an experimental knee osteoarthritis mouse model by using optical‐resolution photoacoustic microscopy. The results showed that no significant differences in microvessel density, the distribution of vessel diameters or vascular tortuosity were observed at the GB34, ST36 or nonacupoint sites among days 0, 7 and 21. We proposed that acupoint sensitization may not be associated with the structural changes in microcirculation and that the microcirculatory changes during acupoint sensitization are more likely to be functional. The functional characteristics of the sensitized acupoints warrant further investigation.

Visualization of Microcirculation at Acupoints in vivo of Alzheimer’s Disease Animal Model with Photoacoustic Microscope: A Pilot Study

“…Although a series of studies have been carried out around photoacoustic imaging technology, few studies have applied this technology to the study of acupoints. In the early stage of our research project, photoacoustic imaging technology was used to explore the local vascular structure of ST36 and GB34 in the mouse model of knee osteoarthritis [ 84 ]. However, because there was a certain degree of overlap between the modeling site of knee osteoarthritis and the observation area of interest of photoacoustic imaging.…”

The Preventive Value of Acupoint Sensitization for Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Positive-Controlled, Multicentre Trial

“…However, the findings suggest that acupoint sensitization may not vary linearly with disease severity. Owing to the instability of mechanistic studies [ 29 ], further dynamic monitoring technology is needed to explain the complex process of acupoint sensitization [ 30 ].…”

Mast cell degranulation producing tryptase, 5-hydroxy and histamine as a mechanism for differences in acupoint sensitization

“…This experiment delves into the local connective tissue, where MC is a resident cell i n the loose connective tissue of the body, usually clustered around small blood vessels an d collateral branches 41 , and particularly abundant in nerve endings and plexuses, forming a complex system of intercellular communication 42 ,and thus intertwine with surrounding bloo d vessels, nerve plexuses, and lymphatic vessels to form a complex system, thus forming the material basis of acupuncture points. The study of MCs introduces that under patholog ical conditions, activated MC release a large number of bioactive mediators that interact w ith the surrounding tissues and have an effect on the nervous system, and accordingly neu rons, etc., have a certain effect on MCs 43 by producing neurotransmitter-like substances.…”