Visualized Regional Hypodermic Migration Channels of Interstitial Fluid in Human Beings: Are These Ancient Meridians?

Abstract

We imaged 6 regional migration channels originating from 6 acupoints on 6 yin meridians of hand and foot by injecting a minimal amount of tracer into acupoints directly in humans. The responses of the subcutaneous specific channels to acupuncture needling are different from those of lymphatic or blood vessels and coincide partially with the characteristics of acupuncture therapeutics, suggesting the existence of meridian-like channels in humans. These findings may contribute to further research on the specific interstitial fluid drainage.

Longitudinal non-vascular transport pathways originating from acupuncture points in extremities visualised in human body

“…Taiyuan (LU9) of the Lung Meridian, which is located at the wrist crease on the radial side of the radial artery, was selected for the fluorescence imaging experiments. As described previously [5], a small amount of contrast agent was injected into subcutaneous loose connective tissues at a depth of 1-2 mm prior to image acquisition. Each subject consented to the administration of acupuncture at one or two acupuncture points on sequential days.…”

“…However, in studies investigating ancient meridian pathways by injecting various low molecular weight tracers within specific regions of the skin (generally acupuncture points), non-vascular drainage pathways can be visualised in animals as well as in humans [1][2][3][4][5]. In animals, these pathways, which conform to the perivenous loose connective tissues (PLCTs) along venous trees (including the venous adventitia), are capable of draining free fluid [6].…”

“…In animals, these pathways, which conform to the perivenous loose connective tissues (PLCTs) along venous trees (including the venous adventitia), are capable of draining free fluid [6]. With regards to humans, two types of transport pathways have been visualised by injecting paramagnetic tracers into acupuncture points using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [5]. The first type is the superficial venous plexus, and the second is ''puncture-resistant'' subcutaneous transport pathways (STPs) which is different in nature from tubular lymphatics with the endothelial walls, although the superficial appearance of the subcutaneous pathways is similar to those of lymphatic vessels visualised by indirect MR lymphography in patients with lymphedema [7].…”

Interstitial fluid flow: simulation of mechanical environment of cells in the interosseous membrane

“…It is possible that the long interstitial tissue channels observed by Casley-Smith with an electron microscope are in fact the interstitial fluid flow [4]. The tracer (Gd-DTPA) injected into acupoints travels with interstitial fluid flow; therefore, their observance of flow different from blood and lymph flow may reflect the interstitial fluid flow [5]. If we change the diffusion coefficient from the secretion protein to the tracer (500 μm 2 /s) [24], there will be directional flow of the tracer similar to that in Fig.…”

“…For example, CasleySmith et al [4] examined the marked interstitium with an electron microscope and found interstitial tissue channels with the width of 50-100 nm and the maximum length of several centimeters in rats and rabbits. Li et al [5] visualized regional hypodermic migration channels of interstitial fluid in humans with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These channels were different from those of lymphatic or blood vessels and partially coincided with the characteristics of meridian.…”