Acupoint specificity on acupuncture regulation of hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal cortex axis function

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Integrative Medicine
• Physiology

Background:

• The hypothalamus regulates stress responses and integrates signals, including acupuncture.
• It is central to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex axis (HPAA).
• Acupuncture effects transmit to the brain via peripheral nerves and body fluids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify specific acupoints that modulate stress reaction neurons (SRNs) in the hypothalamus.
• To investigate the effect of these specific acupoints on HPAA function in a stress model.

Main Methods:

• Electrophysiological recording of CRH-like neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in response to acupoint stimulation.
• Selection of specificity acupoints based on neuronal activation.
• Assessment of HPAA function in a rat model of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS).

Main Results:

• Shenshu (BL23), Ganshu (BL18), Qimen (LR14), Jingmen (GB25), Riyue (GB24), Zangmen (LR13), Dazui (DU14), and auricular concha region (ACR) were identified as specificity acupoints.
• Gallbladder, Liver, and Du Channels were identified as specificity Channels.
• Acupoints on the Gallbladder Channel and those innervated by spinal cord segments related to the adrenal gland showed significant effects.

Conclusions:

• This study establishes a method for exploring acupoint specificity.
• Identified acupoints and channels offer a basis for understanding HPAA regulation via acupuncture.