天麻川芎对自发高血压大鼠炎症因子水平的影响

目的:探索天麻川芎(TC)对自发高血压大鼠炎症因子的影响。方法:自发高血压大鼠(SHR)分为SHR组、卡托普利组(90 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))、TC大剂量组(18.4 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))和小剂量组(9.2 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)),WKY为正常对照。灌胃给药8周,给药前及给药后每两周测定血压一次。给药结束后,ELISA法测定血浆CRP水平;RT-PCR法测定心肌及主动脉中的TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1βmRNA表达水平。结果:CT小、大剂量组对SHR均无显著降底SHR收缩压作用,但可均可显著降低SHR组的血浆CRP水平(P0.05)及主动脉及心肌中的TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1βmRNA的表达水平,P0.05。结论:天麻川芎可降低自发高血压大鼠血浆CRP及主动脉、心肌炎症因子TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1βmRNA的表达水平。     

天麻川芎对自发高血压大鼠肾脏损伤及炎症因子的影响

目的:研究天麻川芎(TC)对自发高血压大鼠肾脏损伤及炎症因子的影响。方法:自发高血压大鼠(SHR)分为SHR组、卡托普利组(90 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))、TC大剂量组(18.4 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))和小剂量组(9.2 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)),WKY为正常对照。灌胃给药8周。给药结束后,化学比色法测24 h尿蛋白、免疫比浊法测尿微量白蛋白的含量;ELISA法测定血浆CRP水平;RT-PCR法测定肾脏TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1βmRNA表达水平;取肾脏做病理切片观察。结果:CT小、大剂量组均可显著降低SHR的24 h尿微量白蛋白水平,CT大剂量组可显著降低SHR的24 h尿蛋白水平;CT小、大剂量组均可显著降低SHR组的血浆CRP水平(P0.05)及肾脏中的TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1βmRNA的表达水平,P值均小于0.05。肾脏病理切片显示CT使肾小球纤维化明显降低,炎细胞减少,肾小管纤维化减轻。结论:天麻川芎对自发高血压大鼠具有改善肾功能、减轻肾脏损伤的作用,其机制可能与降低CRP及炎症因子水平有关。     

黄芩苷对CIA大鼠足关节中炎症因子表达的影响

目的:探讨黄芩苷(Baicalin)治疗大鼠胶原诱导性关节炎(CIA)的可能作用机制。方法:制备CIA大鼠模型,分为正常对照组、CIA模型组、黄芩苷组(50mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))、甲氨蝶呤组(0.9mg·kg~(-1)·w~(-1)),观察膝关节切片进行HE染色及病理改变,免疫组化法检测关节中炎症因子TNF-α、IL-17、PGE2的表达。结果:与CIA模型组比较,黄芩苷大鼠组关节破坏程度明显减轻,关节炎症因子TNF-α、IL-17、PGE2表达明显降低(P0.01)。结论:黄芩苷能明显减少CIA大鼠关节中相关炎症因子的表达,减轻关节病理损伤。     

强肌健力方治疗ICU获得性肌无力的疗效观察与机制探讨

目的观察益气活血配伍(西洋参茎叶总皂苷+赤芍总苷)对大鼠心肌梗死后早期心室重构炎性因子和心肌纤维化的影响,并从胶原代谢方面探讨可能的作用机制。方法结扎Wistar大鼠冠状动脉前降支制备AMI模型,将90只造模成功的大鼠随机分为6组,每组15只,分别为假手术组(冠状动脉前降支仅穿线不结扎)、模型组、阳性对照组(灌胃缬沙坦7.2 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))、益气组(灌胃西洋参茎叶总皂苷162 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))、活血组(灌胃赤芍总苷54 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))和益气活血组(灌胃西洋参茎叶总皂苷162 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)+赤芍总苷54mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))。第2天开始灌胃给药,连续4周,假手术组和模型组灌胃等量蒸馏水。4周后取材,超声心动图检测心脏结构及心功能变化,HE染色观察心肌组织病理变化,免疫组织化学染色法检测缺血心肌Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原蛋白的表达。放射性免疫法检测血清心肌损伤标记物B型脑钠尿肽(BNP)、肌钙蛋白T(cTnT),炎症因子肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β),纤维化指标层连蛋白(LA)、透明质酸(HA)、Ⅲ型前胶原氨基末端肽(PⅢNP)的含量。结果与模型组比较:(1)益气活血组大鼠心肌细胞炎性浸润减少,心肌纤维间隙水肿和心肌纤维细胞坏死变性明显减轻;(2)阳性对照组、活血组和益气活血组大鼠左室舒张末期内径(LVDd)均显著降低,左室射血分数(LVEF)均显著升高(P0.05,P0.05),益气活血组左室收缩末期内径(LVDs)显著降低(P0.05);(3)阳性对照组和益气活血组心肌损伤标记物血清BNP水平明显降低(P0.05);(4)阳性对照组和益气活血组炎性因子血清TNF-α、IL-1β含量显著降低(P0.05,P0.01);(5)益气活血组纤维化指标血清LA、HA、PⅢNP含量明显降低(P0.05);(6)阳性对照组和益气活血组损伤心肌Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原蛋白表达明显降低(P0.05,P0.01)。结论益气活血配伍可以减轻心梗后心肌纤维化过程中的炎性反应,减少损伤心肌纤维化因子的释放及胶原的堆积从而达到减轻心室重构改善心功能的作用。     

西洋参赤芍配伍对大鼠心肌梗死后早期心室重构心肌纤维化的影响

目的观察益气活血配伍(西洋参茎叶总皂苷+赤芍总苷)对大鼠心肌梗死后早期心室重构炎性因子和心肌纤维化的影响,并从胶原代谢方面探讨可能的作用机制。方法结扎Wistar大鼠冠状动脉前降支制备AMI模型,将90只造模成功的大鼠随机分为6组,每组15只,分别为假手术组(冠状动脉前降支仅穿线不结扎)、模型组、阳性对照组(灌胃缬沙坦7.2 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))、益气组(灌胃西洋参茎叶总皂苷162 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))、活血组(灌胃赤芍总苷54 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))和益气活血组(灌胃西洋参茎叶总皂苷162 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)+赤芍总苷54mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))。第2天开始灌胃给药,连续4周,假手术组和模型组灌胃等量蒸馏水。4周后取材,超声心动图检测心脏结构及心功能变化,HE染色观察心肌组织病理变化,免疫组织化学染色法检测缺血心肌Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原蛋白的表达。放射性免疫法检测血清心肌损伤标记物B型脑钠尿肽(BNP)、肌钙蛋白T(cTnT),炎症因子肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β),纤维化指标层连蛋白(LA)、透明质酸(HA)、Ⅲ型前胶原氨基末端肽(PⅢNP)的含量。结果与模型组比较:(1)益气活血组大鼠心肌细胞炎性浸润减少,心肌纤维间隙水肿和心肌纤维细胞坏死变性明显减轻;(2)阳性对照组、活血组和益气活血组大鼠左室舒张末期内径(LVDd)均显著降低,左室射血分数(LVEF)均显著升高(P0.05,P0.05),益气活血组左室收缩末期内径(LVDs)显著降低(P0.05);(3)阳性对照组和益气活血组心肌损伤标记物血清BNP水平明显降低(P0.05);(4)阳性对照组和益气活血组炎性因子血清TNF-α、IL-1β含量显著降低(P0.05,P0.01);(5)益气活血组纤维化指标血清LA、HA、PⅢNP含量明显降低(P0.05);(6)阳性对照组和益气活血组损伤心肌Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原蛋白表达明显降低(P0.05,P0.01)。结论益气活血配伍可以减轻心梗后心肌纤维化过程中的炎性反应,减少损伤心肌纤维化因子的释放及胶原的堆积从而达到减轻心室重构改善心功能的作用。     

丹皮酚联合三七总皂苷对心梗后心室重构大鼠TNF-α,IL-1β mRNA表达的影响

目的:通过检测丹皮酚联合三七总皂苷用药后大鼠心肌中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α),白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)的mRNA的变化,探讨丹皮酚联合三七总皂苷对大鼠急性心肌梗死(AMI)后引发心室重构的影响及机制。方法:80只雄性SD大鼠中随机选取的70只,结扎左冠状动脉的前降支制备AMI大鼠的动物模型。存活且成模大鼠依照干预不同随机的分成模型组、丹皮酚(Pae 8 mg·kg~(-1))组、三七总皂苷(NTS 40 mg·kg~(-1))组、联合低剂量组(Pae 4 mg·kg~(-1)+NTS 20 mg·kg~(-1))、联合高剂量组(Pae 8 mg·kg~(-1)+NTS 40 mg·kg~(-1)),卡托普利组(10 mg·kg~(-1))阳性药组,此外设立假手术组。各组分别给予相应药物腹腔注射,连续28 d。苏木素-伊红(HE)染色法观察各组大鼠心肌组织的病理学变化,蛋白质免疫印迹(Western blot)法检测NF-κBp65,p-IκB-α蛋白的表达水平,逆转录PCR(RT-PCR)检测TNF-α和IL-1βmRNA表达水平。结果:与假手术组比较,模型组心肌病理改变明显,NF-κBp65,p-IκB-α蛋白的表达和TNF-α,IL-1β的mRNA表达显著升高(P0.01);同模型组比较,各用药组心肌病理改变有不同程度改善,目的蛋白与目的基因的表达显著降低(P0.01);并且联合用药组中各指标的改善情况明显优于单味药组(P0.05,P0.01),联合用药高剂量组较低剂量组作用更显著(P0.05,P0.01)。结论:丹皮酚联合三七总皂苷能协同改善心梗后大鼠心室重构,其机制可能与阻断NF-κB/IκB信号通路,下调TNF-α和IL-1βmRNA的表达减少炎症反应有关。     

葛根素对大鼠急性肺损伤的影响

目的:探讨葛根素对大鼠急性肺损伤的作用机制。方法:将60只Wistar大鼠随机分成正常组,模型组,地塞米松组(3 mg·kg~(-1)),葛根素高、中、低剂量组(10,5,2.5 mg·kg~(-1)),每组10只。ig给药,连续给药7 d。正常组和模型组给予等体积的生理盐水。末次给药30 min后,ip 20%酵母混悬液(5 m L·kg~(-1))1次,注射12 h后再次ip 1次20%酵母混悬液(5 m L·kg~(-1))诱发大鼠急性肺损伤模型。末次给药24 h后,切取肺组织,HE染色后进行病理学观察。测定肺组织的湿干比重。检测大鼠肺组织中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD),谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)和丙二醛(MDA)的水平。ELISA法检测血清中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α),白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的含量。Western blot法测定肺组织中核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)的蛋白表达。结果:与正常组比较,模型组大鼠肺组织湿干比重明显升高,MDA,TNF-α,IL-6以及NF-κB的含量明显升高,SOD,GSH-Px的水平明显降低(P0.05,P0.01);与模型组比较,葛根素组的大鼠肺组织湿干比重降低,MDA,TNF-α,IL-6以及NF-κB的含量下降,SOD,GSH-Px的水平明显增加(P0.05)。肺组织出血、细胞浸润减轻。结论:预先给予葛根素可明显减轻急性肺损伤大鼠肺组织炎症反应及肺水肿程度,其机制可能是通过降低TNF-α,IL-6,NF-κB的含量,发挥其抗氧化应激的作用,达到保护作用。     

益肾降浊化瘀方及其拆方对肾间质纤维化大鼠TNF-α及IL-8表达的影响

目的:观察益肾降浊化瘀方及其拆方对腺嘌呤致肾间质纤维化模型大鼠肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和白细胞介素-8(IL-8)表达的影响,探讨益肾降浊化瘀方对肾间质纤维化的作用机制。方法:将SPF级雄性SD大鼠70只分正常组,模型组,尿毒清组,全方组,拆方1组,拆方2组,拆方3组,除正常组比较,用腺嘌呤ig法制作肾间质纤维化模型。正常组,模型组予生理盐水(10 m L·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)),尿毒清组(2.5 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)),全方组(20.2 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)),拆方1,2,3组(11,8.2,7.9 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))。给药4周后,酶联免疫吸附法(Elisa法)检测血清TNF-α,IL-8含量,免疫组织化学法检测肾组织中TNF-α,IL-8蛋白水平。结果:与正常组比较,模型组TNF-α和IL-8在血清和肾组织中含量明显升高(P0.05);与模型组比较,全方组、拆方1组、拆方2组、拆方3组血清和肾组织TNF-α,IL-8含量明显降低(P0.05),其中全方组肾组织TNF-α,IL-8蛋白表达和血清TNF-α,IL-8含量明显低于各拆方组(P0.05)。结论:益肾降浊化瘀方全方组及其拆方1组、拆方2组、拆方3组均能下调TNF-α,IL-8的表达,其中以益肾降浊化瘀方全方组作用最显著。     

二陈汤加味对慢性阻塞性肺疾病大鼠模型肺组织PPARγ信号通路的影响

目的:探索二陈汤加味对慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)大鼠模型肺组织中过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ(PPARγ)蛋白和mRNA表达的影响,以及血清、肺组织匀浆液和支气管肺泡灌洗液中白细胞介素-6(IL-6),白细胞介素-10(IL-10),肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)表达的影响。方法:将70只SD大鼠随机分为7组,每组10只,分别为正常组、模型组、二陈汤加味高、中、低剂量(40,20,10 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))组,消咳喘组(5 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)),二陈汤组(5 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))。以烟熏与脂多糖(LPS)气管滴注并用的方法来制备大鼠COPD模型。成功后,治疗组灌胃给药,正常及模型组则灌等量的生理盐水。酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)检测大鼠血清、肺组织匀浆液和支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中IL-6,IL-10和TNF-α的含量。实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(Real-time PCR)检测PPARγmRNA表达,免疫组化(IHC),蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测肺组织PPARγ的蛋白表达。结果:与正常组比较,模型组大鼠血清、肺组织匀浆液和BALF中IL-6,TNF-α水平显著升高(P0.01),IL-10水平显著降低(P0.01)。模型组大鼠肺组织PPARγmRNA水平显著降低(P0.01),蛋白表达也明显受抑制(P0.01)。与模型组比较,各治疗组血清、肺组织匀浆液及BALF中IL-6,TNF-α水平均不同程度的降低(P0.01),IL-10则不同程度升高,其中二陈汤加味中剂量组IL-10的兴奋和IL-6,TNF-α的抑制尤为显著。各治疗组大鼠肺组织PPARγmRNA和蛋白水平均有不同程度的升高(P0.01)。结论:二陈汤加味可能通过升高PPARγ的表达,并以此降低IL-6,TNF-α的含量,提升IL-10的含量,来对抗COPD大鼠的炎症反应,改善肺功能。     

3′-甲氧基葛根素对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤保护作用研究

目的:观察3'-甲氧基葛根素对大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤的脑梗死体积、自由基变化的影响,探讨3'-甲氧基葛根素对脑缺血损伤的保护作用.方法:采用线栓法诱导大鼠大脑中动脉栓塞建立局灶性脑缺血再灌注模型,分假手术组、模型组、3'-甲氧基葛根素2个剂量组(5,10 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))和尼莫地平组(5 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)).观察行为学的改变,脑梗死体积和测定超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活力及丙二醛(MDA)含量.结果:3'-甲氧基葛根素具有显著减轻神经功能缺损症状,减少梗死体积,显著提高脑缺血再灌注损伤大鼠脑皮质SOD活力和降低MDA含量,其中10 mg·kg~(-1)的3'-甲氧基葛根素作用尤为显著.结论:3'-甲氧基葛根素对大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤具有保护作用.     

微波消解-电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定脉络宁注射液中25种矿物质元素

目的建立微波消解-电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)直接稀释测定脉络宁注射液中25种矿物质元素(Mg、Ca、Fe、Cu、Zn、Mn、Al、B、Ba、Co、Cr、K、Li、Mo、Na、Ni、P、Pb、Sr、Th、Ti、V、As、Cd和Hg)的方法。方法分别对微波消解条件和测试条件进行考察;样品经微波消解后,采用电感耦合质谱仪测定25种矿物质元素,并对测定方法学进行考察。结果确定最佳消解条件为3步缓慢升温:400 W 80℃升温10 min,保留5 min;600 W 120℃升温10 min,保留5 min;900 W 200℃升温20 min,保留20 min;25种矿物质元素在各自的线性范围内线性关系良好,r≥0.999 6,精密度、稳定性和重复性试验的RSD均符合定量分析要求;加标回收率为94.7%~106.1%,RSD在0.34%~2.79%。脉络宁注射液中检测出Mg、Ca、Fe、Cu、Zn、Mn、Al、B、Ba、Co、Cr、K、Li、Mo、Na、Ni、P、Pb、Sr、Th、Ti、V,未检出As、Cd和Hg。结论该方法简便、迅速、准确,适用于脉络宁注射液中25种矿物质元素的同时测定。     

Die Lateralität und Lateralitätsinstabilität in der Diagnostik und Therapie

The disturbance and instability of laterality are obstacles to diagnostics and therapy. Correction prior to starting therapy is required. They also predispose toward defined health problems and unspecific diseases. Numerous research activities provide evidence of the relevance of undisturbed laterality in diagnostics and therapy. Techniques of testing and therapeutic corrections will allow for optimized therapy success.     

Yerba Mate or Paraguay Tea

正Beverages based on Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.are used in the south Brazil and other Latin American countries located at the so-called southern cone.It is known as chimarro or mate in south and southeast Brazil,tererêin     

Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science Instructions for Authors

The Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, a journal with an international scope （IS SN 1672-3597, CN 31-1908/R, Bimonthly）, is embodied by ＇Springer Verlag＇ Database, Index Copernicus （IC） and Chinese Scientific and Technical Paper and Citations Data （CSTPCD）. You can search full text on http：//www, springerlink, com/content/1672 -3597.     

Ethnopharmacologic study of chinese rhubarb

This paper deals with an interdisciplinary study covering historic, botanical, phytochemical, pharmacological and clinical aspects of rhubarb and related species, to lay stress on the correlation between plant phylogeny, chemical constituents and purgative activity.

It was found that the official rhubarbs were exclusively restricted in the Sect. Palmata e.g. Rheum palmatum R. palmatum var. tanguticum R. officinale; the following criteria may serve as their standard, viz., the presence of sennoside derivatives and rhein, the occurrence of the reduced form of rhein and aloe-emodin, the leaves with any kind of palmate incision. Comprehensive multivariate analyses showed that there is a very close relationship between the leaf incision, existence of sennosides or rhein and purgative activity.     

基于ICP-MS法的加味左金丸中无机元素分析

目的 通过电感耦合等离子体质谱（inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry,ICP-MS）法建立加味左金丸中Cd、Pb、As、Hg、Co、V、Ni、Cu、Li、Sb、Ba、Mo、Sn、Cr、Na、Mg、Al、Ca、Ti、Mn、Fe、Zn、Ga、Se、Sr、Tl共计26种无机元素的测定方法。方法 加味左金丸通过微波消解法处理后,根据相对分子质量的大小选择内标物,其中⁷Li、²³Na、²⁴Mg、²⁷Al、⁴⁰Ca、⁴⁸Ti、⁵¹V、⁵²Cr、⁵⁵Mn、⁵⁶Fe、⁵⁸Ni、⁵⁹Co、⁶³Cu、⁶⁶Zn、⁷⁰Ga、⁷⁵As、⁷⁷Se、⁸⁶Sr以⁷²Ge作为内标;⁹⁵Mo、¹¹⁴Cd、¹¹⁸Sn、¹²¹Sb、¹³⁷Ba以¹¹⁵In作为内标;²⁰²Hg、²⁰⁵Tl、²⁰⁸Pb以²⁰⁹Bi作为内标。对标准品溶液、空白溶液与供试品溶液进行分析,采用标准曲线法进行定量分析。通过ICP-MS法进行测定。结果 26种无机元素线性的相关系数r ≥ 0.999 6,检出限为0.001~1.500μg/L,定量限为0.01~5.00 μg/L,精密度与重复性试验的RSD均小于5%,平均回收率在82.64%~106.44%,RSD均小于5%。对3个厂家的12批样品进行了测定,26种元素的含量差异较大,其中Na、Mg、Ca、Fe 4种元素的含量比较高,均大于500 μg/g,Cd、Pb、As、Hg、Co、Li、Sb、Mo、Sn、Cr、Se、Tl的含量比较低,均小于1 μg/g。由结果可知,人体的常量元素,如Na、Mg、Ca的含量比较高,Cd、Pb、As、Hg等有害元素含量比较低。根据《中国药典》2020年版一部的要求,本品中Cd、Pb、As、Hg与Cu均符合规定。结论 该方法快速、准确,可以用于加味左金丸中无机元素的测定。     

Wirksamkeit der Akupunktur bei der Therapie von idiopathischen Schmeckstörungen: Eine randomisierte Placebo-kontrollierte Studie

Background

At present, the state-of-the-art medication in treating idiopathic taste disorder (gustatory dysfunction) is zinc. If zinc medication was unsuccessful, not tolerated or if it is contraindicated the persons affected can hardly be helped.

Objectives

In a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial an attempt was made to determine the efficacy of acupuncture.

Methods

The treatment group was treated with acupuncture needles, the placebo group with an inactive acupuncture-laser. Endpoints of the study were changes in the taste test, the quality of life and the severity of symptoms of depression (BDI) as well as mood changes (ZMS). Satisfaction with the success of the respective therapy was also evaluated. Data were collected before and after therapy and again for the treatment group 10 weeks after completion of the treatment period.

Findings

Treatment with real acupuncture showed a significant improvement in gustatory function as well as a significant improvement in psychological symptoms. Greater satisfaction with the treatment results was evident in the treatment group. The treatment results of acupuncture remained stable over a period of ten weeks after completion of the treatment.

Conclusion

Acupuncture was effective in the therapy of idiopathic taste disorders and therefore it is an effective alternative when zinc medication is not tolerated or unsuccessful. But it is also suitable as a therapy of first choice. Acupuncture can be considered as an extension of the therapeutic spectrum in the difficult treatment of taste disorders.     

Erstaunliches Ergebnis einer Schädelakupunktur nach Yamamoto bei Hemihypsarrhythmie rechts

A girl, three and a half years old at the respective date, premature in 25th week of gestation, had been presented. On day three after birth, she had had a IVH III° right and left with severe involvement of parenchyma and other multiple complications, e. a. infant respiratory distress syndrome up to the 42nd day postpartum, and epileptic attacks with apnoeic events.     

Veränderungen der Herzratenvariabilität (HRV) während Low Level Lasernadelakupunktur: Placebokontrollierte Studie an 19 herzgesunden Probanden

Background

Experimental and clinical studies postulate a neurobiological mechanism of acupuncture by modulating central pain systems, neurohormones and -transmitters. It seems to be quite likely that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an important mediating role in this neuromodulation.

Aim

In measuring heart rate variability (HRV), as a non-invasive approach to the ANS-function, the object of this study was to monitor probable acupuncture-induced changes of autonomic balance. The innovative technology of laser-needle acupuncture offers for the first time a stimulation method which fulfils the demands on a placebo-controlled acupuncture trial not requiring controversial sham acupuncture.

Method

19 healthy voluntary subjects underwent 3 treatments in randomized sequence, consisting of placebo-, 1-point- (PC 6) and simultaneous 3-point- (PC 6, LR 3, SI 3) laser-needle-stimulation over 20 minutes. Before, during and after placebo-/verum laser-needle acupuncture, HRV-data for normalized HF(high frequency)- and LF(low frequency)-Power (nHF, nLF) and their quotient nLF/nHF obtained by power spectrum analysis (FFT), were measured and analyzed statistically at 5 different time points (ANOVA repeated measures, p < 0,05).

Results

During both verum applications, the 1-point- (PC 6) as well as the simultaneous 3-point- (PC 6, LR 3, SI 3) laser-needle stimulation, significant changes of the ANS-activity were found in comparison to the placebo application. The most significant modification of HRV was an increase of nHF (p < 0,05 (PC 6), p < 0,0001 (PC 6, LR 3, SI 3)) as an expression of growing vagal activity during acupuncture.

Conclusion

Laser-needle acupuncture causes in 1-point-stimulation (PC 6) as well as in simultaneous 3-point-stimulation (PC 6, LR 3, SI 3) significant changes in HRV in comparison to placebo application. HRV-monitoring seems to be a suitable approach in exploration of acupuncture-induced changes of ANS and could possibly be established in combination with laser needle acupuncture as a standard for further scientific and clinical acupuncture investigations which are greatly needed.