Central neuromechanisms underlying control of intragastric pressure through acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) in rats: the upper cervical cord is the key link between the ascending and descending pathways

Neural Regeneration Research, 2016 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.184497 · Published: June 1, 2016

Alternative Medicine Neurology Gastroenterology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how acupuncture at the Zusanli point (ST36) affects intragastric pressure in rats, focusing on the role of the upper cervical cord. The researchers explored whether signals from acupuncture at Zusanli converge in the upper cervical cord and then travel to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, examining the types of nerve fibers involved. The study found that Zusanli acupuncture elevated intragastric pressure but inhibited c-fos expression in oxytocinergic neurons of the paraventricular nucleus in rats with upper cervical cord injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

40 Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Zusanli acupuncture effectively elevated intragastric pressure, even after complete dorsal cord transection.
2
The effects of Zusanli acupuncture were significantly attenuated and even disappeared after complete transection of the spinal cord or dorsolateral funiculus.
3
The upper cervical cord serves as a key link between ascending and descending pathways, conveying afferent inputs to the paraventricular nucleus through the dorsolateral funiculus.

Research Summary

This study investigates the central neuromechanisms underlying the control of intragastric pressure through acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) in rats, with a focus on the upper cervical cord's role. The findings suggest that the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is responsible for integrating signals from Zusanli acupuncture and sensory information from intragastric pressure variation, thus regulating intragastric pressure. The upper cervical cord acts as the key link between ascending and descending pathways, conveying afferent inputs to the PVN via the dorsolateral funiculus.

Practical Implications

Acupuncture Mechanism Understanding

Provides insights into the neural pathways and central nervous system structures involved in acupuncture's effects on gastric function.

Therapeutic Target Identification

Highlights the upper cervical cord and dorsolateral funiculus as potential targets for modulating gastric pressure via acupuncture.

Clinical Application Potential

Offers a deeper understanding of how acupuncture at Zusanli can be used to regulate intragastric pressure, potentially aiding in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Study Limitations

1
The study only explored the relationship of the PVN, upper cervical cord, and stomach with Zusanli acupuncture.
2
Limitations of techniques and conditions may have restricted the scope of the investigation.
3
Further investigations are needed to fully understand the regulation of gastric function by Zusanli acupuncture.

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