穴位局部Toll样受体4与针刺信息启动

针刺是通过将针刺入穴位,调动机体固有的神经-内分泌-免疫网络而发挥效应的,但针刺作为一种物理性刺激,要实现对机体固有系统的调节,必须首先将物理性信号转化为生物性信号。Toll样受体4(TLR 4)作为一种重要的模式识别受体,不仅可以识别外源性的病原体相关分子模式,还可识别内源性的损伤相关分子模式,并且其与机体的神经、免疫系统有着密切的关系。笔者从TLR 4与针刺信号转换、针刺临床现象、相关针刺作用机制3个方面进行探讨,发现穴位局部的TLR 4可能参与针刺信息启动。

Toll-like Receptor 4 in Regional Acupoints and Initiation of Acupuncture Signals

It has been well documented that acupuncture effect is produced through suitable manipulation stimulation of the inserted acupuncture needle,and subsequent activation of the body's inherent nerve-endocrine-immune regulating network.As a physical stimulus,the acupuncture stimulation exerted onto the local acupoint needs being converted into biological signal first,further reaching favorable regulation in the body.Toll-like receptor 4(TLR 4),an important molecular pattern recognition receptor,can not only recognize the exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns but also identify endogenous damage-associated molecular patterns,leading to activation of innate immunity.What's more,TLR 4has a close relationship with nervous and immune system of the body.In the present paper,the authors make a discussion on the correlation between TLR 4and acupuncture intervention from 1)TLR 4and acupuncture signal conversion,2)TLR 4and acupuncture clinical phenomenon,and 3)TLR 4and related mechanisms of acupuncture intervention.Moreover,the authors also think that TLR 4in the acupoint area may participate in the initiation process of acupuncture stimulation information.