Naoko Hisamitsu

The effect of acupuncture on natural killer cell activity

Abstract Successive electro-acupuncture (EA) stimulation applied to bilateral anterior tibial muscles, where Zusanli (ST36) acupoints are located, once a day (30 min) for 3 successive days significantly enhanced splenic natural killer (NK) cell activity in BALB/c mice. The percentage of splenic NK cells, as measured by flow cytometry, was not affected in these mice. Interferon (IFN)-γ level in splenic aqueous extract, prepared from the ST36 acupoint-stimulated mice, was significantly higher than that of the controls. In vivo treatment with neutralizing monoclonal antibody against mouse IFN-γ completely abrogated the increase in splenic NK cell activity induced by ST36 acupoint stimulation. The same stimulation also significantly increased the concentration of splenic β-endorphin, which coincided with a significant increase in splenic IFN-γ production. Pre-administration of 10 mg/kg naloxone before initiation of EA stimulation every day reduced the enhancement of NK cell activity and IFN-γ level. These observations strongly suggest that endogenous IFN-γ mediates the up-regulation of NK cell activity by EA stimulation at the ST36 acupoints. Furthermore, endogenous β-endorphin secreted by EA stimulation also plays an important role in the up-regulation of NK cell function, which may be realized through regulating IFN-γ production.

816 COLLAGEN‐INDUCED ARTHRITIS (CIA) AND ELECTRICAL SHOCK STRESS IMPAIR BUT ELECTRO‐ACUPUNCTURE STIMULATION RESTORES BLOOD FLUIDITY

Background and Aims: Fu’s Subcutaneous Needling (FSN) is a new needling therapy only acting at subcutaneous layer around the afflicted spot. Previous work proved FSN has immediate effect on low back pain. This trial is to observe the immediate effect of FSN for benign shoulder pain. Methods: Fifty patients with shoulder pain were separated into two groups in random: FSN Group (n = 24) and Placebo Group (n = 26). The insertion point located at thumb lateral of the forearm of painful shoulder side. Placebo Group used the same trocar needle, and inserted the same point, as FSN Group. The differences between the two groups were that the trocar needle swayed from side to another subcutaneously, while the needle of Place Group only penetrated slightly and motionlessly. Clinical evaluation of this single-blind study included measuring motion-related pain (MRP), pain under certain pressure (PUP), and range of cervical movement (ROM). Results: In both groups, after intervention, MRP, PUP all reduced. ROM increased in FSN Group, while the increase in Placebo Group was not significant. The improvement in FSN Group was significant more than in Placebo Group. Conclusions: FSN can safely and immediately palliate painful problems and increasing functional ability for patients with shoulder pain.