Acupuncture of LI-4 in anesthetized healthy humans decreases cerebral blood flow in the putamen measured with positron emission tomography.
To minimize the influence of exogenous factors, 13 volunteers were anesthetized with sevoflurane 1 MAC while exposed to manual acupuncture stimulation of LI-4 (Group 1, n = 7) or a placebo point in the space between the third and fourth metacarpals (Group II, n = 6). During anesthesia (baseline) and anesthesia + acupuncture, one H2(15)O scan was performed, respectively. Group I demonstrated a significant decrease in regional cerebral blood flow in the right medial frontal gyrus (20%) and in the left putamen (17%). In Group II regional cerebral blood flow was decreased in the right medial frontal gyrus (22%); in the putamen no significant changes were observed. These data suggest that needle penetration of the skin affects the medial frontal gyrus, whereas acupuncture of LI-4 influences the putamen.
Schlünzen
Lise
L
Department of Neuroanesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark. lise.schlunzen@dadlnet.dk
Vafaee
Manouchehr S
MS
Cold
Georg E
GE
D015669:Acupuncture Points; D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation / Q000379:methods*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D011699:Putamen / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology