title: [Toll-like receptor 4 in regional acupoints and initiation of acupuncture signals].
abstract: It has been well documented that acupuncture effect is produced through suitable manipulation stimulation of the inserted acupuncture needle, and subsequent activation of the body' s inherent nerve-endocrine-immune regulating network. As a physical stimulus, the acupuncture stimulation exerted onto the local acupoint needs being converted into biological signal first, further reaching favorable regulation in the body. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR 4), an important molecular pattern recognition receptor, can not only recognize the exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns but also identify endogenous damage-associated molecular patterns, leading to activation of innate immunity. What's more, TLR 4 has a close relationship with nervous and immune system of the body. In the present paper, the authors make a discussion on the correlation between TLR 4 and acupuncture intervention from 1) TLR 4 and acupuncture signal conversion, 2) TLR 4 and acupuncture clinical phenomenon, and 3) TLR 4 and related mechanisms of acupuncture intervention. Moreover, the authors also think that TLR 4 in the acupoint area may participate in the initiation process of acupuncture stimulation information.
authors.forename: Rui
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.forename: Qiang
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Xi
mesh_terms: D015669:Acupuncture Points; D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051197:Toll-Like Receptor 4 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D051197:Toll-Like Receptor 4