Mechanical signaling through connective tissue: a mechanism for the therapeutic effect of acupuncture

H M Langevin1, D L Churchill, M J Cipolla

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA. hlangevi@zoo.uvm.edu

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Paracrine Signaling

Paracrine signaling allows cells to communicate with their immediate neighbors via secretion of signaling molecules. Such a signal can only trigger a response in nearby target cells because the signal molecules degrade quickly or are inactivated if not taken up. Prominent examples of paracrine signaling include nitric oxide signaling in blood vessels, synaptic signaling of neurons, the blood clotting system, tissue repair/wound healing, and local allergic skin reactions.Nitric oxide as a...