Mechanical Stimulation of the HT7 Acupuncture Point to Reduce Ethanol Self‐Administration in Rats

Abstract

Background Alcoholism, which is a disabling addiction disorder, is a major public health problem worldwide. The present study was designed to determine whether the application of acupuncture at the Shenmen (HT7) point suppresses voluntary alcohol consumption in addicted rats and whether this suppressive effect is potentiated by the administration of naltrexone. Methods Rats were initially trained to self-administer a sucrose solution by operating a lever. A mechanical acupuncture instrument (MAI) for objective mechanical stimulation was used on rats whose baseline response had been determined. In addition, the effect of HT7 acupuncture on beta-endorphin concentration and ethanol intake via naltrexone were investigated in different groups. Results We found that ethanol intake and beta-endorphin level in rats being treated with the MAI at the HT7 point reduced significantly. The treatment of naltrexone at high doses reduced the ethanol intake and low-dose injection of naltrexone in conjunction with the MAI also suppressed ethanol intake. Conclusions The results of the current study indicate that using the MAI at the HT7 point effectively reduces ethanol consumption in rats. Furthermore, the coadministration of the MAI and a low dose of naltrexone can produce some more potent reducing effect of ethanol intake than can acupuncture alone.

Acupuncture Alleviates Anxiety and 22-kHz Ultrasonic Vocalizations in Rats Subjected to Repeated Alcohol Administration by Modulating the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Signaling Pathway

“…HT7 stimulation inhibits GABA neuron activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and reduces the self-administration of alcohol [ 20 ]. We previously showed that use of the mechanical acupuncture instrument (MAI) at the HT7 point effectively reduces alcohol consumption in rats [ 21 ] and that its stimulation regulates immobility and 22-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) via σ 1 R in the VTA upon acute alcohol exposure [ 22 ]. The stimulation of HT7 reduced alcohol withdrawal-related tremors, anxiety-like behaviors, and alcohol self-administration in alcohol-dependent rats.…”

Effects of Acupuncture Treatment in Reducing Sleep Disorder and Gut Microbiota Alterations in PCPA‐Induced Insomnia Mice

“…However, the mechanism of specific acupoint stimulation and acupoint combination need to be further studied. A recent study has found that electroacupuncture at the Baihui (DU20) acupoint shows neuroprotective effects via inhibiting the apoptosis of nerve cells, decreasing the abnormally level of β -amyloid-42, and increasing BDNF expression in APP/PS1 transgenic mice [ 37 ]; acupunctureat the Sanyinjiao (SP6) has a role in painless childbirth, in the treatment of urinary and reproductive disorders, and as anesthesia during pelvic surgery [ 38 ]; the HT7 (Shenmen) acupuncture point can ameliorate mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and drug addiction [ 39 ]. Importantly, another survey has found that acupuncture at the Baihui (DU20) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) had a role in ameliorating ischemic stroke through neuroprotective effects with anti-inflammation and TRPV-1-mediated antioxidant stress function [ 40 ].…”

The effect of curcumin and exercise rehabilitation on liver paraoxonase-1 and NF-kβ gene expression in the rat induced by forced drinking of ethanol

“…It is reported that ethanol in rats results in a 25% reduction in PON-1 activity and a 51% reduction in PON-1 gene expression [19]. Although some studies have reported elevated PON-1 and HDL-C at moderate ethanol levels [19], there is no conclusive evidence suggesting alcohol consumption could be controlled through the development of a sense of physiological and psychological demands [20,21]. Additionally, changes in the concentration of anti-inflammatory agents are different from their function [22].…”