Generating-sensation and propagating-myoelectrical responses along the meridian

The meridian phenomena are closely associated with the neuro-muscular function. Our experiments show that meridian phenomenon, acupoint stimulation-induced generating-sensations along meridians (GSM), does exist in some volunteers, and the subjects can describe the characteristics of the feelings and the route of GSM. Simultaneously, GSM is often accompanied with progressive myoelectric activity along the meridian which is able to be recorded objectively. Brachial plexus anesthesia and regional neuro-muscular block may arrest these responses while the neuro-muscular blocking agent may stop neuromuscular transmission at the motor end-plate rather than check GSM. The facts reveal that GSM probably depends on muscular activity and is involved in the secondary neuro-muscular excitation propagating along the longitudinal axis of muscles. These findings suggest that the myoelectric activities constitute the foundation of secondarily generating-sensation propagating along the longitudinal orientation of limbs (muscles), or along the meridian.     

Neurobiological mechanisms of the meridian and the propagation of needle feeling along the meridian pathway

The present experiments attempt to find the meridian phenomenon and how the needle feeling propagates along the given meridian channels. The neurobiological mechanisms of the meridian were studied with neuroelectrical recording from the motor neurons and CB-HRP retrograde histochemistry technique in both rats and cats. The results demonstrated that most, but not all, of alpha motor neurons supplying a muscle group of a given meridian were selectively activated by afferent inputs originating not only from homonymous or heterogeneous, but synergistic muscle, but also from the skin nerve overlying the muscle group of the homonymous meridian. However, the afferent inputs from the heterogeneous meridian have very weak or no effect. On the other hand, the labeled motor neurons supplying a given meridian muscles form a discrete longitudinal column with a definite bound in the lateral ventral horn. There are oriented dendro-dendristes projections between the labeled motor neurons.The characteristics of both sel     

经络腧穴的光学特性研究进展

现已成熟并仍有巨大潜力的光子学技术与热、电、磁等一起成为研究经络腧穴的热门手段,经络腧穴光学特性的探索不仅为其存在提供了客观依据,而且为其实际应用提供了生物物理学依据。总结目前用于经络腧穴研究的光学检测方法原理,重点综述了经络腧穴的超微弱发光、经脉红外辐射路线的客观显示、腧穴的红外辐射光谱及循经激光传输等方面的最新研究进展,以期对光子学手段在经络腧穴的研究上有一个全面的认识。     

Mechanism of relation among heart meridian,referred cardiac pain and heart

It has been demonstrated that an important clinical phenomenon often associated with visceral diseases is the referred pain to somatic structures, especially to the body area of homo-segmental innervation. It is interesting that the somatic foci of cardiac referred pain were often and mainly distributed along the heart meridian (HM), whereas the acupoints of HM have been applied to treat cardiac disease since ancient times. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neural relationship between the cardiac referred pain and the heart meridian. Fluorescent triple-labeling was injected into the pericardium, some acupoints of HM and lung meridian (LM, for control). The responses of the left cardiac sympathetic nerve and of the EMG in left HM and LM were electrophysiologically studied, when the electrical stimuli were applied to the acupoints of left HM and to the left cardiac sympathetic nerve. More double-labeled neurons in HM-heart, not in LM-heart, were observed in the ipsilateral dorsal root ganglia of the spinal segments C8-T3. Electric stimulation of the acupoints of left HM was able to elicit more responses of left cardiac sympathetic nerve than that of the LM-acupoints. Electric stimulation of the left cardiac sympathetic nerve resulted in stronger activities of EMG-response in the acupoints of left HM than in LM-acupoints. We conclude that double-labeling study has provided direct evidence for the existence of dichotomizing afferent fibers that supply both the pericardium and HM. Electrophysiological results show that HM is more closely related functionally to heart. These findings provide a possible morphological and physiological explanation for the referred cardiac pain and HM-heart interrelation.     

Mechanism of relation among heart meridian, referred cardiac pain and heart

It has been demonstrated that an important clinical phenomenon often associated with visceral diseases is the referred pain to somatic structures, especially to the body area of homo-segmental innervation. It is interesting that the somatic foci of cardiac referred pain were often and mainly distributed along the heart meridian (HM), whereas the acupoints of HM have been applied to treat cardiac disease since ancient times. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neural relationship between the cardiac referred pain and the heart meridian. Fluorescent triple-labeling was injected into the pericardium, some acupoints of HM and lung meridian (LM, for control). The responses of the left cardiac sympathetic nerve and of the EMG in left HM and LM were electrophysiologically studied, when the electrical stimuli were applied to the acupoints of left HM and to the left cardiac sympathetic nerve. More double-labeled neurons in HM-heart, not in LM-heart, were observed in the ipsilateral dorsal root gangli     

Changes in colonic myoelectric spiking activity during stimulation by bisacodyl

The purpose of this study was to determine some relationships between colonic myoelectric spiking activity and intraluminal propulsion when colonic peristalsis was stimulated by bisacodyl. Myoelectric recordings were obtained in 12 subjects by means of a 50 cm long Silastic tube equipped with four bipolar electrodes fixed at 10-cm intervals. The tube was introduced into the left colon by flexible sigmoidoscopy and the electrodes were located at 50, 40, 30, and 20 cm from the anal verge. A small polyethylene catheter opening at the proximal end of the Silastic tube was used for introducing the laxative into the colon. One hour recording sessions were obtained before and after bisacodyl administration (5 mL of 0.4% solution). The control tracings showed that colonic spiking activity was made of rhythmic stationary bursts that occurred at only one electrode site and of sporadic bursts that were either propagating over the whole colonic segment or nonpropagating. Administration of bisacodyl was followed by complete suppression of the rhythmic stationary activity; a considerable increase in the sporadic spiking activity, propagating as well as nonpropagating; the occurrence of abdominal cramps and urgency to defecate, both associated with the propagating sporadic spike bursts. It is concluded that colonic propulsion induced by bisacodyl may be dependent upon the production of the sporadic bursts, particularly the propagating ones, while the rhythmic stationary bursts do not seem to play a significant role in colonic transit.     

中医经络的光子学研究

在中医经络现代研究的基础上,探讨光子学在经脉循行路线的客观检测,循经感传现象的发生及其实质意义,经络腧穴诊断的客观化以及腧穴双向良性调节作用等研究领域的具体应用.指出中医经络的光子学研究有望借助光子学的学科优势,从科学的角度对我国经络学说进行诠释和量化,为经脉腧穴的光学特性提供重要的实验依据,并有望找到一种非侵人性、无...     

How does morphine work on colonic motility? An electromyographic study in the human left and sigmoid colon

The effect of morphine on colonic motility was investigated by recording the colonic myoelectric spiking activity by means of a 50 cm long silastic tube equipped with 4 bipolar AgAgCl ring electrodes fixed at 10 cm intervals that was introduced into the left colon in 8 healthy subjects by flexible sigmoidoscopy. Tracings were obtained for 1 hour in the fasting state and for another 1 hour after i.m. injection of morphine sulphate 0.15 mg/kg. The different types of spike bursts were compared before and after morphine injection. The control tracings showed that the spiking activity of the colon was made of 2 types: 1)- Rhythmic Stationary Spike Bursts (RSB), that were seen at only one electrode site; 2)- Sporadic Bursts, that were either propagating over all 4 electrodes (SPB) or non propagating (SNPB). Injection of morphine was followed by 1)- a considerable increase in the number of RSB from 107 +/- 43 bursts/hour (mean +/- SEM) to 491 +/- 23 bursts/hour; 2)- the complete disappearance of the SPB dropping from 7.3 +/- 2.0 bursts/hour to 0.3 +/- 0.2 bursts/hour; 3)- no significant change in SNPB (from 52 +/- 4 bursts/hour to 57 +/- 5 bursts/hour). These results indicate that 1)- stimulation of colonic smooth muscle activity by morphine seems to result from an increase in the number of rhythmic stationary bursts; 2)- however inhibition of colonic transit may be related to the decrease in the number of sporadic propagating bursts.     

NO在胆道加压引起的反射活动中的作用

向胆道加压至 4kPa ,可同时引起血压降低和Oddi括约肌 (SO)肌电活动减弱或消失 ,这总称为胆道加压反射 ,其中前者称为胆道 血压反射 ,后者称为胆道 SO反射。本实验应用 3 2只家兔观察一氧化氮 (NO)对胆道加压反射活动的影响。在静脉滴注去甲肾上腺素 4 μg/(kg·min)引起血压升高和SO肌电振幅增大的基础上 ,再行胆道加压至 4kPa ,仍同时引起血压降低和Oddi括约肌 (SO)肌电活动减弱 ;而在静脉注射NO合酶抑制剂NG 硝基 L 精氨酸 (L NNA) 10mg/kg引起血压升高和SO肌电振幅增大的基础上 ,再行胆道加压至 4kPa,全部动物胆道 血压反射受到完全抑制 ,即未出现血压降低反应 ;少数 ( 3 /8)动物胆道 SO反射受到完全抑制 ,多数 ( 5 /8)动物该反射受到明显抑制 (P <0 0 1)。向SO局部灌注L NNA ,只引起SO肌电振幅增大而不影响血压 ,在此基础上行胆道加压 ,对胆道 SO反射的影响与全身用药相似 ,对胆道 血压反射却无影响。这提示 ,这两种反射活动是相对独立的 ,是经不同传出途径和效应器实现的 ;且这两种反射都主要是通过NO介导的     

索曼中毒运动终板乙酰胆碱酯酶活性和接头传递功能的关系

用大鼠的在体膈肌局部索曼(Soman)中毒法,观察了乙酰胆碱酯酶(ACHE)在运动终板的再生和肌接头传递功能的恢复过程,以及肟类药物(HI-6)对两过程的促进作用。提出终板 AChE 活性与高频间接刺激(100次/秒)引起膈肌强直收缩幅度有一定的关系。中毒早期(30分钟以内)HI-6对索曼抑制的膈肌终板 AChE 有一定的重活化作用,并能相应地恢复肌接头的传递功能。     

Optically pumped magnetometers disclose magnetic field components of the muscular action potential

AimAiming at analysing the signal conduction in muscular fibres, the spatio-temporal dynamics of the magnetic field generated by the propagating muscle action potential (MAP) is studied.MethodIn this prospective, proof of principle study, the magnetic activity of the intrinsic foot muscle after electric stimulation of the tibial nerve was measured using optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs). A classical biophysical electric dipole model of the propagating MAP was implemented to model the source of the data. In order to account for radial currents of the muscular tubules system, a magnetic dipole oriented along the direction of the muscle was added.ResultsThe signal profile generated by the activity of the intrinsic foot muscles was measured by four OPM devices. Three OPM sensors captured the spatio-temporal magnetic field pattern of the longitudinal intrinsic foot muscles. Changes of the activation pattern reflected the propagating muscular action potential along the muscle. A combined electric and magnetic dipole model could explain the recorded magnetic activity.InterpretationOPM devices allow for a new, non-invasive way to study MAP patterns. Since magnetic fields are less altered by the tissue surrounding the dipole source compared to electric activity, a precise analysis of the spatial characteristics and temporal dynamics of the MAP is possible. The classic electric dipole model explains major but not all aspects of the magnetic field. The field has longitudinal components generated by intrinsic structures of the muscle fibre. By understanding these magnetic components, new methods could be developed to analyse the muscular signal transduction pathway in greater detail. The approach has the potential to become a promising diagnostic tool in peripheral neurological motor impairments.     

Microstructures in the Organ of Corti Help Outer Hair Cells Form Traveling Waves along the Cochlear Coil

According to the generally accepted theory of mammalian cochlear mechanics, the fluid in the cochlear scalae interacts with the elastic cochlear partition to generate transversely oscillating displacement waves that propagate along the cochlear coil. Using a computational model of cochlear segments, a different type of propagating wave is reported, an elastic propagating wave that is independent of the fluid-structure interaction. The characteristics of the propagating wave observed in the model, such as the wavelength, speed, and phase lag, are similar to those observed in the living cochlea. Three conditions are required for the existence of the elastic propagating wave in the cochlear partition without fluid-interaction: 1), the stiffness gradient of the cochlear partition; 2), the elastic longitudinal coupling; and 3), the Y-shaped structure in the organ of Corti formed by the outer hair cell, the Deiters cell, and the Deiters cell phalangeal process. The elastic propagating waves in the cochlear partition disappeared without the push-pull action provided by the outer hair cell and Deiters cell phalangeal process. The results suggest that the mechanical feedback of outer hair cells, facilitated by the organ of Corti microstructure, can control the tuning and amplification by modulating the cochlear traveling wave.     

Microstructures in the Organ of Corti Help Outer Hair Cells Form Traveling Waves along the Cochlear Coil

According to the generally accepted theory of mammalian cochlear mechanics, the fluid in the cochlear scalae interacts with the elastic cochlear partition to generate transversely oscillating displacement waves that propagate along the cochlear coil. Using a computational model of cochlear segments, a different type of propagating wave is reported, an elastic propagating wave that is independent of the fluid-structure interaction. The characteristics of the propagating wave observed in the model, such as the wavelength, speed, and phase lag, are similar to those observed in the living cochlea. Three conditions are required for the existence of the elastic propagating wave in the cochlear partition without fluid-interaction: 1), the stiffness gradient of the cochlear partition; 2), the elastic longitudinal coupling; and 3), the Y-shaped structure in the organ of Corti formed by the outer hair cell, the Deiters cell, and the Deiters cell phalangeal process. The elastic propagating waves in the cochlear partition disappeared without the push-pull action provided by the outer hair cell and Deiters cell phalangeal process. The results suggest that the mechanical feedback of outer hair cells, facilitated by the organ of Corti microstructure, can control the tuning and amplification by modulating the cochlear traveling wave.     

电针足少阳经穴联合本体感觉训练对膝关节骨性关节炎患者步行能力、血液流变学和骨代谢的影响

摘要 目的：探讨电针足少阳经穴联合本体感觉训练对膝关节骨性关节炎（KOA）患者步行能力、血液流变学和骨代谢的影响。方法：按照随机数字表法,将2019年8月~2022年1月期间于我院就诊的KOA患者204例分为对照组（102例,本体感觉训练）和研究组（102例,电针足少阳经穴联合本体感觉训练）。对比两组膝关节功能、疼痛症状、步行能力、血液流变学和骨代谢情况。结果：治疗4周后,两组视觉疼痛模拟评分（VAS）、西安大略和麦克马斯特大学骨关节炎调查量表（WOMAC）评分下降,Lysholm 膝关节功能评分升高,且研究组的改变程度大于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗4周后,两组双支撑相下降,步速、步长升高,且研究组的改变程度大于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗4周后,两组纤维蛋白原、红细胞聚集指数、全血黏度（高切）、全血黏度（低切）下降,研究组的改变程度大于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗4周后,两组碱性磷酸酶（ALP）、骨钙素（BGP）、骨特异性碱性磷酸酶（BALP）水平升高,研究组的改变程度大于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：电针足少阳经穴联合本体感觉训练可改善KOA患者的疼痛症状,促进膝关节功能恢复,改善步行能力,作用机制可能与调节血液流变学和骨代谢有关。     

针刺足阳明胃经经穴治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床研究

摘要 目的：探讨针刺足阳明胃经经穴治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床疗效。方法：选取2019 年3 月至 2019 年 12月北京中医药大学东直门医院针灸科门诊收治的腰椎间盘突出症患者 60例,随机分为对照组与观察组,每组30例。对照组采用常规针刺法治疗,取肾俞、大肠俞、腰夹脊穴、阿是穴(均为双侧),观察组采用针刺足阳明胃经经穴治疗,取滑肉门、天枢、太乙、气冲、髀关、足三里、公孙、冲阳(均为双侧)。两组针刺手法均平补平泻,每次留针15分钟,每周扎2次,4次为1个疗程,共治疗3个疗程。考察临床疗效,治疗前以及全部疗程结束后对比两组患者的日本骨科协会评估治疗分数(JOA)、Oswestry功能障碍指数问卷表（ODI）评分,分别在治疗前、每次疗程结束后测评视觉模拟评分(VAS)。结果：治疗后,观察组愈显率为83.33%,对照组愈显率为60.00%,观察组愈显率高于对照组(P＜0.05),观察组JOA评分、ODI评分优于对照组(P＜0.05)。观察组第1疗程结束后的VAS评分略高于对照组,但是无统计学差异(P>0.05),第3疗程结束后的VAS评分低于对照组(P＜0.05)。结论：针刺足阳明胃经经穴治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床疗效优于常规针刺法,尤其在改善腰椎功能、减少疼痛等方面的效果更佳。     

Revealing acupuncture meridian-like system by reactive oxygen species visualization

To investigate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) distribution in living animal tissues, two ROS indicators, dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) and MitoSOX™ Red were applied to visualize ROS on the frontal interior abdominal wall of living SD-rats by tail vein injection and local smearing respectively. Revealed was an unexpected ROS distribution pattern. ROS were demonstrated in a few vertical fluorescent lines, which related to neither veins nor nerves but could be almost perfectly superimposable on a standard human acupuncture meridian network. The phenomenon that cells with high ROS content should be aligned in a regular manner is interesting as well as its resemblance to meridian system.     

Interdependence of Cell Cycle Events in Tetrahymena thermophila: Formation of Contractile Vacuole Pore and Fission Gap in Ciliary Meridians*

SYNOPSIS The formation of the contractile vacuole pore (CVP) in Tetrahymena thermophila. genotype mol^b/mol^b is temporally and spatially associated with the formation of the fission gap in the CVP meridian. New CVPs arise when fission gaps appear in CVP meridians, the new pores being found anterior to the gaps. When, however, CVP meridians are rotated 180°, the fission gaps develop late. In more than 1/3 of the 180°-rotated CVP meridians, the new CVPs are formed before the appearance of the fission gap. Evidently, the appearance of the gap is not a prerequisite for CVP formation. Nevertheless, mutants exist in which the absence of fission gap and CVP are correlated in some cases and in which the presence of supernumerary fission gap and CVP are correlated in other instances. It is suggested that the 2 developmental events, although not causally related to each other, may be controlled by a common morpho-genetic signal. This commits a certain site (mid-body) along a ciliary meridian to develop the fission gap as well as the CVP; however, after this step of commitment, the appearance of the fission gap is delayed in 180°-rotated CVP meridians.     

An ultrastructural investigation of 180 degrees-rotated ciliary meridians in Tetrahymena pyriformis.

An ultrastructural investigation has been carried out on 180 degrees-rotated ciliary meridians (inverted meridians) in Tetrahymena pyriformis temperature-sensitive mutant (mo1b/mo1b), syngen 1, strain B. The longitudinal, transverse and post-ciliary microtubular bands, the kinetodesmal fiber, and the parasomal sac, are shown to be disposed at a 180 degrees angle to their normal positions or orientations. Other abnormalities are as follows: the first 2 basal bodies of the inverted meridian fail to organize into "couplets" and the inverted meridian intrudes into the anterior pole region; an extra longitudinal microtubular band is found in one of the cell lines.     

Myeloelectric complex of the small intestine and variations in the intestinal motility in sheep]

The motor pattern of the small intestine of the sheep fed ad libitum is characterized by the regular occurrence of myoelectric complexes comprising a phase of regular and irregular spiking activities. Each complex is propagated along the ovine small intestine at a mean velocity of 17 cm/min and originated on the duodenal bulb at 70-100 mn intervals. Reduction and increase in duration of the phase of irregular spiking activity of the complex occurred during fasting and overfeeding respectively. Reduction in spiking activity is paralleled by an increased velocity of propagation whilst a lower migration and a reduced number of the complexes are characteristic of overfeeding. It is concluded that duration, number and velocity of propagation of the myoelectric complexes are adaptative factors in changes of the intestinal flow rate.     

Quadriceps and hamstrings prelanding myoelectric activity during landing from different heights among male and female athletes

ACL tear is a major concern among athletes, coaches and sports scientists. More than taking the athlete away from training and competition, ACL tear is a risk factor for early-onset of knee osteoarthritis, and, therefore addressing strategies to avoid such injury is pertinent not only for competitive athletes, but for all physically active subjects. Imbalances in the prelanding myoelectric activity of the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles have been linked to ACL injuries. We investigated the effect of landing from different heights on prelanding myoelectric activity of the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles in recreational athletes. Thirty recreational athletes (15 male and 15 female) performed three bilateral drop jumps from two different heights; 20 cm and 40 cm while myoelectric activity of the vastus medialis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris and medial hamstrings were collected. When increasing the height of drop landing tasks prelanding normalized myoelectric activity of the quadriceps was increased by 15–20% but no significant changes were found for the hamstrings. Female athletes exhibited higher activity of the medial hamstrings compared to their male counterparts. We concluded that increasing the height of drop landing tasks is associated with increased myoelectric activity of the quadriceps but not the hamstrings in recreational athletes. These differences in muscle activity may be related to increased risk for ACL injury when the height is increased. Female athletes demonstrated higher recruitment of the medial hamstrings.