title: Study on the dynamic compound structure composed of mast cells, blood vessels, and nerves in rat acupoint.
abstract: Background. Circulation system, immunity system, and nervous system have a close relationship with meridian phenomen. However, there is still lack of the results of dynamic changes of these structures in acupoint. The aim of this study is to explore the interrelationship by composite staining techniques. Methodology/Principal Findings. Twenty rats were separated into electroacupuncture group (EA) and control group (Con) randomly. In EA group, the Zusanli and Weishu were stimulated with the 0.1 mA for 25 min. The tissue of these acupoints was double-stained with acetylcholinesterase and Toluidine blue. The compound structure of mast cells, nervous fibers, and mast cells in the acupoint was observed. Conclusions/Significance. The blood vessels, mast cells and acetylcholinesterase responded nerves were clearly observed in acupoint tissues. EA can result in the mast cell recruitment and migration along the blood vessels and nervous bundle, which conformed the dynamic compound structure and played important roles in acupuncture.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
authors.forename: Luo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mingfu
authors.forename: Dong
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Xiaotong
authors.forename: Song
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Xiaojing
authors.forename: Jiang
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.forename: Zhann
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Jinling
authors.forename: Han
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ying