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Study on the Central Neural Pathways Connecting the Brain and Peripheral Acupoints Using Neural Tracers
Junquan Liang1,2,3, Weikang Sun4, Yifu Zhou1
1Shenzhen Bao'an Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Seventh Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics
|August 5, 2025
Summary
Acupuncture points show specific neural pathways to the brain, unlike less targeted sham acupoint injections. This research clarifies the unique brain connections of acupuncture, enhancing understanding of its therapeutic mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Integrative Medicine
- Acupuncture Research
Background:
- Acupuncture is a popular therapy, but its precise neural mechanisms remain unclear.
- Understanding the central nervous system's response to acupoint stimulation is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare neural projections from acupuncture points versus sham acupoints.
- To clarify the specificity of neural pathways activated by acupuncture using retrograde tracing.
Main Methods:
- Adult C57BL/6J mice were used for the study.
- Retrograde tracer PRV-CAG-3×mScarlet was injected into seven acupoints and corresponding sham sites.
- Brains were analyzed after 120 hours using histological and imaging techniques.
Main Results:
- Acupoints demonstrated distinct neural projections to specific brain regions, including the motor cortex (M1, M2), gigantocellular reticular nucleus (Gi), and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (VLPAG).
- Subcutaneous (sham) acupoint sites exhibited more diffuse and less specific neural projections.
- Significant differences in projection patterns were observed between true acupoints and sham sites.
Conclusions:
- Acupoints establish common neural projections within the brain.
- Acupoints display more numerous and specific neural projections compared to subcutaneous sham sites.
- These findings highlight the specific neural pathways underlying acupuncture's effects.
