Effects of acupuncture on the plasma atrial natriuretic peptide. Aldosterone and renin activity in man

To investigate the effect of acupuncture on the plasma levels of hormones, we have applied acupuncture in the meridian points. Two meridian points, B25 and B15, were selected for the hand-running acupuncture application. The plasma levels of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide, aldosterone, and renin activity were measured by radioimmunoassay. Acupuncture in the meridian point B23 decreased plasma levels of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide, while that in the B15 increased plasma levels of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide. Acupuncture in the B15 decreased plasma levels of aldosterone while that in the B23 decreased plasma renin activity. These results suggest that acupuncture in the specific meridian points may have sites specific regulatory function for the hormone levels and that the meridian points, B23 and B15, may have control mechanism for the regulation in the body fluid and electrolytes balance.