Depressor effect on blood pressure and flow elicited by electroacupuncture in normal subjects.
To clarify the effect of electroacupuncture (Ea) on the activity of the cardiovascular system in normal individuals, hemodynamic parameters including arterial blood pressure (BP), finger blood flow (FBF) and heart rate (HR) as well as paravertebral temperature (PVT) were non-invasively recorded under Ea stimulation. Surface stimulation electrode was placed on the Hoku point (Li-4). Square wave pulses (0.05 ms) were applied from a stimulator with a stimulation frequency of 2 Hz (3 min). The stimulation intensity was five times of sensory threshold. BP and FBF were decreased (68.5+/-6.0%, P<0.01 and 96.8+/-1.1%, P<0.01 of control, respectively, n=7) while HR and PVT were increased significantly (115.0+/-5.1 of control, P<0.05 and 0.054+/-0.004 degree C, P<0.01, respectively, n=7) during Ea treatment. The results suggested an inhibition in sympathetic outflow, which induced vasodilatation of systemic arteriole and decrease in BP and FBF were elicited by Ea stimulation.
Lin
Chih-Feng
CF
School of Physical Therapy, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. tblin@csmu.edu.tw
Liao
Jiuan-Miaw
JM
Tsai
Shih-Jei
SJ
Chiang
Ping-Yen
PY
Ting
Hua
H
Tang
Chih-Yung
CY
Lou
Kuo-Long
KL
Hsieh
Li-Chun
LC
Wang
Den-Wu
DW
Lin
Tzer-Bin
TB
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology; D015671:Electroacupuncture; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology