Acupuncture stimulation and neuroendocrine regulation.
Acupuncture has been used to treat different conditions for at least 3000 years in China and has gained increasing acceptance worldwide. The acupuncture needle inserted into the muscle layer at the acupoint produces the so-called obtaining qi sensation that causes the excitation of A-δ and C-fibers of the muscle tissue, resulting in afferent signals. The afferent signals pass through the dorsal horn cells of the spinal cord ascending to the brain, such as the hypothalamus, enhancing the release of neuropeptides and hormones, and these afferent signals in the spinal segment may innervate the visceral organ, inducing effect on visceral function. Here, we reviewed the effect of acupuncture stimulation on neuropeptides and hormones, including β-endorphin, serotonin, oxytocin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, corticotrophin-releasing hormone, cholecystokinin, and acetylcholine, as well as insulin sensitivity, immunomodulation (anti-inflammation), and autonomic nerve activity.
Department of Chinese Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Cosmetic Science and Institute of Cosmetic Science, College of Pharmacy and Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy & Science, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.
Jung-Sheng
JS
Yu
Bai-Yun
BY
Zeng
Ching-Liang
CL
Hsieh
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000378:metabolism; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000502:physiology; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000502:physiology*; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000378:metabolism
D009479:Neuropeptides
Acupuncture; Adrenal gland; Hypothalamus; Neuroendocrine; Pituitary