Responses of nitric oxide-cGMP release in acupuncture point to electroacupuncture in human skin in vivo using dermal microdialysis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the release of nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP in response to electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation in the acupuncture point (acupoint), compared to the non-meridian control area.


METHODS
Thirty samples of dermal microdialysis data were collected from 24 volunteers at pericardium (PC) 4 and control area. EA was applied to PC 3 by using a 5-V pulse with a duration of 1.0 milliseconds at 10 Hz for 15 minutes. Dialysate samples were continuously collected 20 minutes each before, during, and after EA for two hours. Total nitrite and nitrate (NO(x)(-)) and cGMP in the dialysate were quantified in a blinded fashion.


RESULTS
Dialysate NO(x)(-) concentrations were decreased during a 120-minute dialysis in all groups, but reduced NO(x)(-) levels were attenuated predominantly in PC 4 acupoint at 20-40 minutes after EA PC 3. cGMP concentrations were significantly enhanced in acupoint PC 4 by EA PC 3, but not in the non-meridian area.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that the attenuation of NO(x)(-) reduction during dialysis reflects an increase in NO release induced by EA stimulation in acupoint and that cGMP mediates the signaling functions of NO to improve local microcirculation, which, at least in part, contributes to the effects of acupuncture.
Jou
Nainn-Tsyr
NT
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California 90502, USA.
Ma
Sheng-Xing
SX
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006152:Cyclic GMP / Q000378:metabolism*; D020405:Dermis / Q000378:metabolism*; D015671:Electroacupuncture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017551:Microdialysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D006152:Cyclic GMP