c-fos在电针调控大鼠胃运动中的表达及其意义

目的 :探讨原癌基因c fos在穴位电针对胃运动影响中的表达及其意义。方法 :采用免疫组织化学方法及电生理的方法 ,观察电针刺激“足三里”等不同穴位 ,c fos在中枢延髓的孤束核(NTS)及迷走神经背运动核 (DMV)中的表达 ,同时采用浆膜法检测胃电变化情况。结果 :电针刺激“足三里”等不同穴位c fos在NTS及DMV中的表达情况不同 ,且胃电也发生较为明显的变化。结论 :穴位电针对胃运动具有调节作用。以c fos的表达作为激活标志 ,提示这种调节作用可能是通过对NTS及DMV神经元的激活而实现的     

电针调节心理性应激状态下胃动力障碍的实验研究

采用高压恒流脉冲刺激器制备心理性应激模型 ,探讨心理性应激可以导致胃运动功能障碍 ,而针刺对心理性应激状态下胃动力障碍具有防治调节作用的机理。将 96只雄性SD大鼠随机分成正常对照组、心理性应激组及心理性应激 +针刺组。电针刺激大鼠双侧“足三里” ,细胞外引导测定迷走神经背运动核 (DMV)自发放电 ,浆膜法测定胃电数据。正常情况下 ,大鼠迷走神经背运动核自发放电较少 ,胃电活动较为规律。在心理性应激状况下 ,迷走神经背运动核自发放电不规律 ,胃电活动出现紊乱 ,与正常对照组相比二者有明显差异 (P <0 0 5 )。心理应激条件下给予电针刺激大鼠“足三里” ,迷走神经背运动核自发放电较少 ,胃电活动与正常状况相接近 ,与正常对照组相比 ,二者无差异 (P >0 0 5 )。提示心理性应激可以导致胃动力障碍且二者关系密切 ,针刺“足三里”对其有明显的调节防治作用。     

Electro-acupuncture of Foot YangMing regulates gastric activity possibly through mediation of the dorsal vagal complex

Acupuncture at some specific acupoints of Foot Yangming can regulate gastric activity. However, its precise mechanism remains unknown. In our study, the effects and mechanism of electro-acupuncture (EA) at Tsusanli (ST 36), Shangchuhsu (ST 37) on the regulation of gastric activity were observed. EA at Tsusanli showed that gastric electric change had a significantly higher frequency and wave amplitude as compared to that of the Shangchuhsu group and other groups. EA at Shangchuhsu demonstrated the change of gastric electric was greater than that of the non-acupoint group and the control group. After bilateral vagotomy, the change of electro gastric graph (EGG) of EA at Tsusanlis was not significant compared to the control group. In the mean time, we have observed the electric discharge of the neurons in NTS and DMV. The frequency of electro-physiological activity in nucleus of solitary tract (NTS) and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMV) in Tsusanli group and Shangchuhsu group were markedly increased compared with that in other groups. The results have indicated that EA at Tsusanli and Shangchuhsu not only regulate gastric activity, but also activate neurons in NTS and DMV significantly. Our study suggests that the effect of EA at Tsusanli and Shangchuhsu on the gastric activity may partially depend upon integrated nerve pathway and related central neurons in dorsal vagal complex.     

NEURON DISCHARGE AND C-FOS EXPRESSION IN NUCLEUS OF THE SOLITARY TRACT FOLLOWING ELECTROACUPUNCTURE AT ACUPOINTS OF STOMACH MERIDIAN OF FOOT-YANGMING

Objective: The nucleus of the solitary tract(NTS) is a primary center for both visceral afferents and somatic afferents.Previous experiments demonstrated that NTS is associated with connection of the stomach and acupoints in the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming(ST Meridian).In this study, an extracellular recording and immunochemistry method was used to analyze the neuron discharge and c-fos protein expression in the NTS following acupuncture at different acupoints and non-acupoint.Methods: A total of 104 discharging neurons were detected in the NTS of 52 rats, of which, 86 were provided with complete data.Results: After acupuncture at Sibai(ST2), Zusanli(ST36), Neiting(ST44), Quanliao(SI18) and non-acupoint, the response neuron occurring rates(RNORs) in the NTS were 65.12%, 51.16%, 46.51%, 34.88% and 31.40%, respectively.For RNOR,there was a significant difference among ST2, ST36, ST44, SI18 and non-acupoint(P0.01 or P0.05).Accordingly, in other 48 rats, the number of c-fos immunoreactive(c-fos-IR) neurons in the NTS after electroacupuncture(EA) at ST2 was significantly higher than at other acupoints and non-acupoint(P0.05 or P0.01).Both EA at ST36 and at ST44 increased c-fos-IR neurons significantly as compared with EA at SI18 and non-acupoint(P0.05 or P0.01), while there was no difference between EA at SI18 and at non-acupoint groups(P0.05).Conclusion: The experiment demonstrated that the afferent convergence in the NTS was different by body surface point stimulus, which suggested that NTS might be a primary center in the central nervous system receiving acupoint stimulus from ST Meridian.     

腧穴组方对急性胃粘膜损伤大鼠胃粘膜形态学的影响

目的 :探讨腧穴不同组方对急性胃粘膜损伤大鼠胃粘膜形态学的影响。方法 :以乙醇造成大鼠急性胃粘膜损伤后 ,动态观察针刺“足三里”不同组穴对模型胃粘膜组织学及超微结构的影响。结果 :①“足三里”不同穴组对急性胃粘膜损伤均具有保护作用。②在不同穴组中 ,以“足三里” +“内关” +“中脘”组效果最好。结论 :“足三里” +“内关” +“中脘”可考虑做为临床针灸治疗胃病的基本处方     

不同时辰电针对氯胺酮成瘾大鼠伏隔核酪氨酸羟化酶及c-fos表达的影响

目的:观察不同时辰电针对氯胺酮成瘾大鼠伏隔核酪氨酸羟化酶(TH)及c-fos表达的影响,探讨不同时辰电针对氯胺酮成瘾大鼠戒毒治疗的可能机制。方法:将56只SD大鼠随机分为正常组、生理盐水组、模型组、不同时辰电针组(分23:00子时、05:00卯时、11:00午时、17:00酉时4个电针组),每组8只。每天1次经腹腔注射氯胺酮复制氯胺酮成瘾模型,不同时辰电针组于给药1周后分别在4个时辰选取一侧"足三里"与"三阴交"穴给予低频(2Hz)电针治疗,每次30min,连续治疗7d。采用免疫组织化学染色方法检测伏隔核TH及c-fos的表达。结果:与正常组和生理盐水组相比较,模型组TH及c-fos免疫反应阳性神经元的数目明显增多(P<0.01)。与模型组相比较,午时、酉时电针组TH及c-fos免疫反应阳性神经元的数目明显减少(P<0.01),而子时、卯时电针组则无明显变化(P>0.05)。结论:电针"足三里"与"三阴交"可明显抑制氯胺酮成瘾引起的伏隔核TH及c-fos表达的增强,提示电针可能通过抑制伏隔核多巴胺神经元的活动改善氯胺酮成瘾,但不同时辰针刺疗效存在差异。     

NEURONS DISCHARGE AND C-FOS EXPRESSION IN NTS FOLLOWING ELECTROACUPUNCTURE AT ACUPOINTS OF STOMACH MERIDIAN OF FOOTYANGMING

The nucleus of solitary tract(NTS) is a primary center for both visceral afferents and somatic afferents.Previous experiments demonstrated that NTS is associated with the connection of the stomach and acupoints in Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming(ST Meridian).In this study, extracellular recording and immunochemistry method were used to analyze the discharging neurons and c-Fos protein expression in NTS after electroacupuncture at different acupoints and non-acupoint.A total of 104 discharging neurons were detected in the NTS of 52 rats, of which, 86 were provided with complete data.After acupuncturing at Sibai(ST2), Zusanli(ST36), Neiting(ST44), Quanliao(SI18) and non-acupoint, the response neuron occurring rates(RNORs) in NTS were 65.12%, 51.16%, 46.51%, 34.88% and 31.40% respectively.For RNORs, there was a significant difference among Sibai(ST2), Zusanli(ST36), Neiting(ST44), Quanliao(SI18) and nonacupoint(P0.01 or P0.05).Accordingly, in other 48 rats, the number of c-fos immunoreactive(c-fos-IR) neurons in the NTS after electroacupuncture(EA) at Sibai(ST2) was significantly higher than that of at other acupoints and non-acupoint(P0.05 or P0.01).Both EA at Zusanli(ST36) and Neiting(ST44) increased c-fos-IR neurons significantly compared with that of at Quanliao(SI18) and non-acupoint(P0.05 or P0.01), while there was no difference between EA at Quanliao(SI18) and nonacupoint(P0.05).The experiments demonstrated that the afferent convergence in NTS is different by body surface point stimulus, which suggested that NTS might be a primary center in the central nervous system(CNS) which received acupoint stimulus from ST Meridian.     

Effects of electroacupuncture at different points on colorectal distention-induced changes in blood pressure, electrogastrogram, gastric tension and gastric blood flow

Objective: To investigate the specificity of the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at different acupoints on gastric functional activity and gastric blood flow after colorectal distension (CRD) in the rat.Methods: Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: a control group,a Zusanli group,a non-point group,a Taichong group and a Neiguan group.Rats were anesthetized after 18 h of fasting,and a rat model of nociceptive blood pressure elevation and abnormal electrogastrogram (EGG) and gastric tension (GT) was prepared by gasbag-induced CRD.EA was given bilaterally,and its effects on gastric blood flow (GBF) of the arcus vasculosi of the greater omentum,blood pressure,EGG fast wave properties,and gastric smooth muscle tension (GT) were quantified.Results: CRD induced an increase in blood pressure that was significantly inhibited by EA at all points (all P＜0.05),and the inhibitory effects were greater in the Zusanli and Neiguan groups compared to the non-point group (both P＜0.05).CRD also caused reductions in GT and GBF,and in the amplitude,frequency and duration of EGG waves (all P＜0.05).These effects were also reversed by EA.The effects of EA on EGG wave amplitude,GT,and GBF were superior in the Zusanli group compared to the Taichong group,Neiguan group,and the non-point group.Conclusion: EA significantly counteracted CRD-induced changes in blood pressure,GBF,EGG; and GT.The effects of stimulation at Zusanli (ST 36) were significantly greater compared to other points,indicating relative specificity of this acupoint.     

电针“足三里”对酸化乙醇致胃黏膜损伤大鼠的胃组织总NOS、iNOS影响的时效关系研究

目的 :通过电针“足三里”对酸化乙醇致大鼠胃黏膜损伤模型胃黏膜影响的实验 ,探讨针刺的时效关系。方法 :将动物随机分组、造模 ,造模成功后针刺组进行电针。在电针后 7个不同时刻各组进行取材 ,检测胃组织总NOS、iNOS ,将各针刺组与其对应模型组的实验结果进行两两比较。结果 :针刺组与对应时间模型组动物指标均值有一定变化趋势 ,其中针刺 0组比其对应模型 0组总NOS、iNOS活性相对增高。结论 :本实验各针刺组治疗 1次后 ,不同的时段对损伤的胃组织总NOS、iNOS活性的影响不同 ,针刺后即刻可在一定程度上提高胃组织总NOS、iNOS活性 ,因而可能对胃黏膜起一定的保护作用。     

电针对心肌缺血模型大鼠孤束核c-fos表达及心电图ST_(Ⅱ)的影响

目的:观察针刺"内关"足三里"对心肌缺血模型大鼠孤束核(nucleus of the solitary tract,NTS)c-fos表达及心电图STⅡ的影响,阐明延髓初级中枢在"内关"足三里"穴共同调节心功能中的作用。方法:将36只雄性SD大鼠随机分为生理盐水组、模型组、足三里组、内关组、偏历组及合阳组,每组6只,腹腔注射异丙肾上腺素造成心肌缺血模型。电针治疗20 min,采用抗Fos蛋白免疫组织化学技术观察大鼠NTS内c-fos表达和电生理技术观察大鼠心电图STⅡ的变化。结果:心肌缺血模型大鼠NTS内c-fos的表达明显增加(P<0.01),而足三里组、内关组与模型组比较,NTS内c-fos阳性细胞数均明显减少(P<0.01);足三里组、内关组NTS内c-fos阳性细胞数显著低于偏历组、合阳组(P<0.01)。足三里组、内关组大鼠缺血性心电图STⅡ电位值显著降低(P<0.01),其电位降低值大于偏历组、合阳组(P<0.01)。结论:NTS是针刺内关、足三里共同调节心功能的整合中枢之一。     

电针大鼠耳穴“心”等对孤束核升压反射相关神经元电活动的影响

目的:通过观察电针作用于不同穴位对麻醉大鼠不同状态下平均动脉压(MAP)及孤束核(NTS)与升压反射相关神经元放电的影响,证明NTS神经元在针刺和升压反射信号整合中的作用。方法:在麻醉大鼠生理状态下及颈静脉注射脱羟肾上腺素(PE)引起升压反射的状态下,观察电针耳穴"心"及体穴"内关"足三里"对MAP的影响,同时用电生理学单细胞记录的方法记录和鉴别NTS与升压反射相关神经元细胞外放电活动,同步观察上述两种状态下针刺对单细胞放电的影响。结果:颈静脉注射PE引起升压反射,NTS神经元活动对升压反射的反应以兴奋为主。麻醉大鼠生理状态下和PE引起升压平台期时,电针耳穴"心"和体穴"足三里"能降低大鼠的MAP(P<0.001,P<0.05),"内关"无明显作用。电针3个穴位均能增加大鼠生理状态和升压平台期状态NTS升压反射相关神经元的放电活动,在两种血压状态下电针耳穴"心"和体穴"足三里"引起神经元放电增加的百分比均大于"内关"(P<0.05)。结论:NTS内存在升压反射相关神经元,这类神经元被耳穴"心"及体穴"足三里"激活的百分比与"内关"相比更为显著,与针刺耳穴"心"及体穴"足三里"引起的降压效应反应相一致,说明在NTS内针刺和加压反射信号发生整合。     

电针“足三里”穴对内脏痛大鼠延髓内脏带内c-fos和GFAP表达的影响

目的:探讨电针对内脏痛大鼠模型疼痛行为学方面的影响以及延髓内脏带中即刻早期基因c-fos和胶质原纤维酸性蛋白(Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein,GFAP)在针刺镇痛中的表达及其意义。方法:雄性SD大鼠32只,随机分为空白对照组、内脏痛组、电针组和电针后内脏痛组,每组8只。将0·6%乙酸(V/V,10mL/kg)注射入大鼠腹腔内造成内脏痛模型。电针取双侧“足三里”穴,断续波,频率50Hz,强度2~5V,持续30min。观察并计算各组动物的疼痛指数(visceral painindex,VPI)后处死动物,延髓切片进行抗Fos蛋白或抗GFAP单一或双重标记的免疫组织化学染色,观察并记数c-fos和GFAP在中枢延髓内脏带内的表达。结果:内脏痛组和电针后内脏痛组出现典型的扭体反应,其中内脏痛组更明显,而空白对照组和电针组大鼠行为学无变化。各组c-fos阳性神经元、GFAP阳性星形胶质细胞表达主要位于延髓内脏带内孤束核、迷走神经背侧运动核。除了空白对照组,内脏痛组、电针组和电针后内脏痛组中c-fos和GFAP表达明显增高;3组之间比较,c-fos和GFAP表达内脏痛组最高,电针后内脏痛组其次,电针组最低(P<0·01)。结论:电针“足三里”穴对内脏痛模型大鼠的疼痛具有良性调节作用,其机制可能与其调节延髓内脏带内免疫阳性神经元和星形胶质细胞的功能活动有关。     

大鼠胃缺血/再灌注过程中胃电活动变化及电针的影响

目的:观察胃缺血和再灌注过程中胃电活动的变化及电针对其调节作用。方法:对大鼠胃右动脉进行结扎和松解,并电针双侧"足三里"穴,观察缺血再灌注过程中胃电慢波的变化;另设不电针组进行比较。结果:(1)不电针组在结扎胃右动脉后,胃电波幅和频率均显著下降。松解后,胃电波幅和频率均有回升;(2)电针组结扎即时胃电波幅即刻升高,随后略有波动;胃电频率在结扎过程中出现波动;松解过程中,胃电波幅和频率均较前对照升高。结论:胃电活动的强弱与胃血流灌注量的增减成正相关;电针对由于缺血再灌注引起胃电波幅、频率的异常增减有显著的调整作用。     

针刺“足三里”对大鼠孤束核P物质的影响

目的 :观察延髓孤束核P物质免疫阳性反应产物的分布以及针刺“足三里”穴对其的影响。方法 :将SD大鼠随机分为三组 :电针“足三里”穴组 (n =10 )、电针“足三里”穴旁开 0 5cm组(n =10 )、空白对照组 (n =10 )。应用免疫组织化学ABC法显示延脑组织SP免疫活性切片。结果 :孤束核内P物质的免疫阳性反应产物以膨体型纤维为主 ,呈点状和串珠状 ,其敞开部有少量阳性胞体。主要分布于孤束核的内侧亚核、连合亚核 ,其余亚核内较为稀疏 ;电针“足三里”穴内侧亚核、连合亚核阳性纤维的光密度明显升高 ,其余亚核无明显变化 ;电针“足三里”穴外侧旁开 0 .5cm组与空白组相似 ,各亚核均无明显变化。结论 :针刺“足三里”可能通过抑制NTS内侧亚核和连合亚核SP的释放 ,对胃的功能活动产生兴奋作用     

电针大鼠“四白”穴和胃扩张传入信息在孤束核的汇聚——c-fos表达的研究

目的:探讨电针足阳明经“四白”穴和胃扩张刺激诱导大鼠孤束核(NTS)的原癌基因c -fos表达及意义。方法:将SD大鼠随机分为4组:电针“四白”穴组、电针“四白”穴旁开0 .5cm组、胃扩张模型组和空白对照组。采用免疫组织化学方法观察c- fos在孤束核的表达。结果:电针“四白”穴组和胃扩张模型组孤束核内Fos样免疫反应(FLI)阳性神经元均主要分布于内侧亚核,以延髓的中尾段分布较多;电针“四白”穴组在内侧亚核内FLI神经元数目与胃扩张模型组比较无明显差异(P >0 .0 5 ) ,与“四白”穴旁开组比较,差异有非常显著性意义(P <0 .0 1 )。结论:电针“四白”穴和胃扩张刺激的感觉传入可能在孤束核发生汇聚、整合,是针刺“四白”穴调节胃功能的中枢途径之一。     

神经蛇毒处理眶下神经对电针镇痛作用的影响

目的:探讨粗纤维在电针"四白"穴对内脏痛的镇痛效应中的作用及其传入途径。方法:SD大鼠36只,随机分为空白组,内脏痛组、电针组、眶下神经切断组,神经蛇毒组及生理盐水组,每组6只。切断大鼠双侧眶下神经以及双侧眶下神经鞘内注射神经蛇毒选择性破坏A类纤维,然后电针双侧"四白"穴,再腹腔注射乙酸造成内脏痛模型,观察大鼠内脏痛的行为学变化(扭体反应)以及孤束核(NTS)和三叉旁核(PTN)的c-fos表达。结果:电针组大鼠扭体次数较内脏痛组明显减少(P0.01),眶下神经切断组大鼠扭体次数较电针组明显增加(P0.01),神经蛇毒组大鼠扭体次数少于内脏痛组(P0.05)。电针组NTS的c-fos表达较内脏痛组明显减少(P0.05),眶下神经切断组较电针组明显增加(P0.01),神经蛇毒组显著低于内脏痛组(P0.05)。电针组PTN的c-fos表达较内脏痛组明显增加(P0.01),眶下神经切断组较电针组明显减弱(P0.01),神经蛇毒组较眶下神经切断组和内脏痛组明显增强(P0.01)。结论:粗纤维不是电针"四白"穴对内脏痛大鼠镇痛效应的主要传入纤维,口面部的躯体感觉传入可能经PTN中继后与内脏的感觉传入在NTS发生汇聚并进行整合,从而产生镇痛作用。     

电针对食源性肥胖大鼠pAMPKα表达的影响

目的:通过观察电针对食源性肥胖大鼠中枢及胰腺组织中磷酸化腺苷酸激活蛋白激酶α(pAMPKα)表达的影响,探讨针灸减肥的可能机制。方法:SD大鼠50只,随机分成正常组8只和高脂组42只,造模12周后挑选体重超过正常组体重15%的大鼠16只,随机分为电针治疗组(电针组)8只及肥胖模型组(模型组)8只,电针组大鼠针刺足三里、内庭穴位减肥(2/15Hz,3mA),每次15min,每天1次,共30次。治疗结束后,采用免疫组织化学方法测定各组下丘脑腹内侧核(VMN)及胰腺组织pAMPKα的表达。结果:电针组与模型组比较,体重明显下降(P<0.01),与正常组体重相近(P>0.05)。电针组大鼠胰腺中pAMPKα平均光密度明显高于模型组(P<0.01),与正常组相近(P>0.05);各组下丘脑腹内侧核中pAMPKα平均光密度差异无显著性意义(P>0.05)。结论:电针可通过升高胰腺pAMPKα,即增加能量消耗达到治疗食源性肥胖的目的。     

大鼠头面部腧穴和胃扩张传入信息在孤束核的汇聚-c-fos表达的研究

目的 探讨电针大鼠头面部腧穴和胃扩张刺激诱导大鼠孤束核(Nucleus of Solitary Tract,NTS)的原癌基因c-fos表达及意义。方法 将SD大鼠随机分为6组:电针“四白”穴组、电针“四白”穴旁开组、电针“颊车”穴组、电针“颧髎”穴组、胃扩张模型组和空白对照组。采用免疫组织化学方法观察c-fos在NTS的表达。结果 电针“四白”穴组和胃扩张模型组NTS内均有较多的FOS样免疫反应(FLI)阳性神经元表达,且主要分布于内侧亚核(mNTS),并以延髓中尾段分布较多,其余亚核内较为稀疏,两组的FLI阳性神经元数目在mNTS比较,P>0.05;电针“颧髎”穴组和电针“颊车”穴组亦有一定数量的FLI阳性神经元表达;电针“四白”旁开组有少量FLI阳性神经元表达;空白组只有正常状态下的低FLI阳性神经元表达。结论 电针“四白”穴和胃扩张模型在mNTS内大量的FLI阳性神经元表达,两者的高表达提示来自电针“四白”穴和胃扩张刺激的感觉传入可能会在NTS发生汇聚、整合,从而影响胃的机能状态;此外,亦在形态学上为经脉脏腑相关跨神经节的初级中枢联系机制提供部分合理的解释。     

EFFECT OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE OF "ZUSANLI" ON VIP CONTENTS OF THE PERIPHERAL BLOOD, GASTRIC MUCOSAL AND BRAIN TISSUES IN GASTRIC MUCOSAL INJURY RATS

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Neuron Discharge and c-Fos Expression in the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract Following Electroacupuncture at Acupoints of the Yangming Stomach Meridian of Foot

The nucleus of the solitary tract (nucleus tractus solitarii; NTS) is a primary center for both visceral afferents and somatic afferents. Previous experiments have demonstrated that the NTS is closely connected to the stomach and acupoints in the Yangming Stomach Meridian of Foot (ST Meridian). In this study, extracellular recording and immunochemistry methods were used to analyze the discharge of neurons and c-Fos protein expression in the NTS following acupuncture at different acupoints and a nonacupoint. A total of 104 discharging neurons were detected in the NTS of 52 rats, of which 86 provided complete data. After acupuncture at Sibai (ST 2), Zusanli (ST 36), Neiting (ST 44), Quanliao (SI 18), and the nonacupoint, the neuron response rate in the NTS was 65.12%, 51.16%, 46.51%, 34.88% and 31.40% respectively. For neuron response rate, there was a significant difference among Sibai (ST 2), Zusanli (ST 36), Neiting (ST 44), Quanliao (SI 18), and the nonacupoint (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). In the other 48 rats, the number of c-Fos immunoreactive neurons in the NTS by electroacupuncture (EA) at Sibai (ST 2) group was significantly higher than that EA at other acupoints and the nonacupoint (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). EA at both Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiting (ST 44) increased c-Fos immunoreactive neurons significantly over EA at Quanliao (SI 18) and the nonacupoint (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), while there was no difference between EA at Quanliao (SI 18) and the nonacupoint group (p > 0.05). The experiments demonstrated that the afferent convergence in NTS are different by body surface points stimulus, which suggests that the NTS might be a primary center in the central nervous system receiving acupoints stimulus from the ST Meridian.