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Related Experiment Videos

Perivascular space: possible anatomical substrate for the meridian.

Wentao Ma1, Hua Tong, Weiya Xu

  • 1Department of Analysis-Measurement Science, School of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430-072, People's Republic of China.

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.)
|January 23, 2004
PubMed
Summary

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Perivascular spaces (PVS) along Traditional Chinese Medicine meridians are fluid pathways. These PVS exhibit unique electrical and oxygen properties, potentially explaining meridian phenomena and informing acupuncture research.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Background:

  • The meridian system in TCM lacks a clear anatomical basis in Western medicine.
  • Phenomena suggest meridians are fluid pathways distinct from blood and lymphatic vessels.
  • Perivascular spaces (PVS) are known fluid pathways in some mammalian tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between PVS and TCM meridians.
  • To identify the anatomical structure corresponding to meridians.
  • To examine tissues along the Stomach and Gallbladder meridians.

Main Methods:

  • Perivascular dye injection.
  • Frozen section histology.
  • Physiological studies measuring electrical conductivity and partial oxygen pressure (pO2).

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Main Results:

  • PVS were identified around blood vessels along the studied meridians, confirming them as fluid pathways.
  • PVS demonstrated significantly higher electrical conductivity compared to surrounding tissues.
  • PVS showed significantly higher partial oxygen pressure (pO2) than medial and lateral tissues.

Conclusions:

  • PVS possess properties that explain meridian phenomena observed in TCM.
  • This research offers a potential anatomical substrate for meridians.
  • Findings may advance understanding of acupuncture mechanisms.