[SONG's theory on mast cells and meridian-acupoint and its research prospect]

The historical origin of researches regarding acupuncture and mast cells (MCs) is reviewed, and the hypothesis that dermal MCs might be correlated with the acupuncture phenomena proposed by SONG Jimei in 1977 is introduced. This hypothesis, for the first time, suggests MCs could be the cellular basis of meridian sensation and arrival of qi (deqi) of acupoints. With independent tests of several research institutes, currently sufficient evidences prove the scientific values of SONG's theory as well as its potential values for the basic research and clinical practice of acupuncture. It is reported recently that MCs might receive signals from central nerve system and acupoint stimulation, showing cross-talk effects, therefore, MCs can be sensitized at acupoints. In this paper, with a review of 40-year research evidence, 15 biological characteristics regarding mast cells and acupuncture phenomena are identified, in the meanwhile, 10 key questions and research direction, including the distribution of MCs in skin and its general relationship with meridian-acupoint, etc. are proposed.