title: Function of Nucleus Ventralis Posterior Lateralis Thalami in Acupoint Sensitization Phenomena.
abstract: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on nucleus ventralis posterior lateralis (VPL) thalami activated by visceral noxious stimulation and to explore the impact of EA on the mechanism of acupoint sensitization under a pathological state of the viscera, EA was applied at bilateral "Zusanli-Shangjuxu" acupoints. The discharge of VPL neurons was response to EA increased after colorectal distension (CRD). The stimulation at "Zusanli-Shangjuxu" acupoints enhanced discharge activity of VPL neurons under CRD-induced visceral pain. The frequency of neuronal discharge was associated with the pressure gradient of CRD which showed that visceral noxious stimulation may intensify the body's functional response to stimulation at acupoints.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie of Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
authors.forename: Pei-Jing
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Rong
authors.affiliation: Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie of Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
authors.forename: Jing-Jun
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie of Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China ; Wuhan Integrated TCM and Western Medicine Hospital, 215 Zhongshan Road, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Hubei 43002, China.
authors.forename: Ling-Ling
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie of Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
authors.forename: Liang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie of Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ben
authors.affiliation: Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie of Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
authors.forename: Shao-Yuan
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiaojie of Dongzhimen, Beijing 100700, China.
authors.forename: Bing
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zhu