Point- and frequency-specific response of the testicular artery to abdominal electroacupuncture in humans.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the role of the abdominal acupuncture points and the frequency of short-term electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation on testicular blood flow (TBF) in humans.


METHODS
A prospective, randomized study.


METHODS
University hospital, Department of Radiology, ultrasound unit.


METHODS
Eighty healthy male volunteers were randomly allocated to three groups in stage one and to a single group in stage two. In the first stage of the study, the abdominal acupuncture points ST-29 (guilai) were stimulated using simple needle insertion, 2 Hz burst EA or 10 Hz EA, in three different groups. In the second stage of the study, abdominal acupuncture points ST-25 (tianshu) were stimulated with the frequency found to be more effective in stage one. Stimulation was for 5 minutes in each group.


METHODS
Electroacupuncture and Doppler flowmeter.


METHODS
Four groups were compared for volume flow and other related parameters of TBF.


RESULTS
The 10-Hz EA stimulation of ST-29 (guilai) increased TBF, but simple needle insertion and 2-Hz burst stimulation did not. The 10-Hz EA stimulation of ST-25 (tianshu) did not result in significant changes in TBF.


CONCLUSIONS
For the first time point- and frequency-specific effects of abdominal EA on TBF are shown in humans. Further investigation is required to ascertain whether these findings may be helpful in the clinical treatment of infertile men.
Cakmak
Yusuf Ozgur
YO
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Marmara, Istanbul, Turkey. ycakmak@marmara.edu.tr
Akpinar
Ihsan Nuri
IN
Ekinci
Gazanfer
G
Bekiroglu
Nural
N
D000005:Abdomen; D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D015671:Electroacupuncture / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D013737:Testis / Q000098:blood supply*; D014463:Ultrasonography