Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation Increased Nitric Oxide-Cyclic GMP Release Biocaptured Over Skin Surface of Pericardium Meridian and Acupuncture Points in Humans

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study was to consecutively capture and quantify nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP, the second messenger of NO, over the skin surface of acupuncture points (acupoints), meridian line without acupoint, and non-meridian control regions of the Pericardium meridian (PC) in humans, and investigate their response to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Design, setting, and main outcome measures Adhesive biocapture tubes were attached to the skin surface along PC regions and injected with 2-Phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-3-oxide-1-oxyl solution, an NO-scavenging compound, contacting the skin surface for 20 minutes each during 4 consecutive biocapture intervals. TENS (1.0 mA, 6 Hz, 1.0 msec duration) was applied over acupoints PC 8 and PC 3 during the 2nd biocapture for 20 min. Total nitrite and nitrate (NOx-), the stable metabolic products of NO, and cGMP in biocaptured samples were quantified using chemiluminescence and ELISA. Results NOx- levels in the 1st biocapture over PC regions are almost two fold higher compared to subsequent biocaptures and are higher over PC acupoints versus non-meridian control region. Following TENS, NOx- concentrations over PC regions were significantly increased, and cGMP is predominantly released from the skin surface of PC acupoints. Conclusions TENS induces elevations of NO-cGMP concentrations over local skin region with a high level at acupoints. The enhanced signal molecules improve local circulation, which contributes to beneficial effects of the therapy.

Response of Local Nitric Oxide Release to Manual Acupuncture and Electrical Heat in Humans: Effects of Reinforcement Methods

“…A biocapture device, developed by this lab, consists of a semicircular molded plastic tube (0.5 × 5 cm) adhered to the acupoints, MWOP, and NMCR by a double-sided adhesive, as shown in Figure 1 . PTIO solution (100 μ M) was injected inside the sterilized tube to absorb NO from the skin surface for 20 minutes [ 31 , 32 ]. After incubation, the liquid was collected from the tubes.…”

Nitric oxide signaling molecules in acupoints: Toward mechanisms of acupuncture

“…Concentrations of NOx - (total nitrite and nitrate, the stable metabolites of NO), and nitrotyrosine and cGMP in the samples were quantified by using chemiluminescence and an enzyme-linked immunoSorbent assay in a blinded fashion, respectively. (33-36) …”

“…(33-36) Repeated local application of PTIO solutions does not cause any adverse symptoms such as skin irritation. The biocapture device is defined as a nonsignificant risk device that has been evaluated and approved by our institutional Investigational Review Board (IRB) and has also maintained IRB approval throughout the investigation based on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation.…”

“…(37) The results are consistent with the results reported that low-frequency (6 Hz) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation induces an elevation of NO and cGMP release biocaptured over PC acupoints in humans. (36) …”

“…Consistently, NO levels biocaptured over the skin regions are elevated by either electrical heat and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with low-frequency (6 Hz). (36,43) The results suggest that heating and MA/EA/transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with low stimulating force and rate, which are reinforcement methods, produce an elevation of NO release predominantly over acupoints, but EA with a higher stimulating force and rate, which are reduction methods, cause an inhibition of NO generation.…”