[Effect of electroacupuncture at Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) on the event-related potentials of chronic fatigue syndrome].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the effective mechanism of electroacupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).


METHODS
The dynamic detection of chronobiology was used to test the event-related potentials in 20 healthy subjects and 20 CFS patients. P3a and P3b latencies at 4 equidistant time points (8:00, 14:00, 20:00, 2:00) within 24 hours were collected and analyzed.


RESULTS
(1) Latency of P3a in CFS group was obviously prolonged at 14:00 compared to health group with statistical significance (P < 0.05), latency of P3b was decreased at 14:00 after electroacupuncture treatment with statistical significance compared to that of pre-treatment (P < 0.01). (2) There were obviously circadian rhythm in latency of P3a and P3b in health group (P < 0.05), which were not seen in CFS group (P > 0.05); the circadian rhythm latency of P3b restored after treatment (P < 0.05). (3) The latency acrophase of P3a and P3b pre-treatment obviously shifted backward compared to that of healthy subjects (P < 0.05), shifted forward after electroacupuncture treatment (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The event-related potential circadian rhythms are lost in CFS patients. Electroacupuncture at Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) can regulate the circadian rhythm of P3a and P3b latency and improve the cognition of the patients in daytime.
Cheng
Ci-Song
CS
Acupuncture and Massage College, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, China. ccstcm@163.com
Zhu
Yi-Hui
YH
Liang
Fan-Rong
FR
Wu
Xi
X
Jin
Shuo-Guo
SG
Wu
Fang-Peng
FP
D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000328:Adult; D015671:Electroacupuncture; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged