• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.9-24
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• 2005

Objective: We have studied the effects of acupuncture and low level He-Ne laser therapy(LLLT) at $SI_3$, $BL_{40}$ on the tibial, sural nerve injury due to sports-damage or traffic accident and L5 spinal nerve ligature model like general herniation of nucleus pulposus(HNP) in a rat of neuopathic pain. Methods: A model of neuropathic pain was made by injuring tibial nerve and sural nerve while common peroneal nerve was maintained. Also, it was made by isolating left 5th lumbar spinal nerve. Three weeks after the neuropathic surgery, acupuncture and LLLT was injected at $SI_3$,$BL_{40}$ one time a day for one week. LLLT was divided three groups, that is LLLT-1(5mW), LLLT-2(10mW) and LLLT-3(30mW). After that, we examined the withdrawal response of neuropathic rats' legs by Von frey filament and acetone stimulation. And also we examined c-Fos, Nocieptin and KOR-3 in the midbrain central gray of neuropathic rats. Results: As we have observed the effect of mechanical allodynia, LLLT-3 group were diminished on 4 day, 5 day, 6 day and 7 day in the resection model compared with control model, LLLT-1 group were diminished on 5 day, LLLT-2 group were diminished on 3 day and 6 day, LLLT-3 group were diminished on 3 day, 4 day, 5 day, 6 day and 7 day in connected model compared with control group. As we have observed the effect of cold allodynia, LLLT-3 group were diminished on 7 day in the resection model compared with control model, LLLT-1 group were diminished on 6 day, 7 day, LLLT-3 group were diminished on 7 day in connected model compared with control group. As we have observed the effect of activity of c-Fos in the central gray part, LLLT-3 were diminished in resection model compared with control group, LLLT-1 group were diminished in connected model compared with control group. As we have observed the effect of activity of Nociceptin in the central gray part, resection model were not increased compared with control group, LLLT-1 group and LLLT-3 group were increased in connected model compared with control model. As we have observed the effect of activity of KOR-3 in the central gray part, resection model were not increased compared with control group, LLLT-3 group were increased in connected model compared with control model. Conclusions: We have noticed that LLLT-1 and LLLT-3 group have more controllable effect than acupuncture group. This study can be used in clinical therapy for neuropathic pain. But it is not reliability that Nociceptin and KOR-3 have effectively to control pain. Therefore We have to follow up about that.

• 한국의학물리학회지:의학물리
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• 제20권4호
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• pp.277-289
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• 2009

최근 침의 신경생리학적 기전 및 경혈의 특이성을 밝혀내기 위해 기능적 자기공명영상(functional MRI, fMRI)을 이용한 연구가 활발히 진행되고 있다. fMRI 영상은 손가락 마주치기검사(Finger Taps test), 깜박이는 체크무늬 흑백영상에 의한 시각자극과 같은 연구주제에서 동일한 대상자의 반복되는 동일 검사에서 유의한 편차가 나타난다는 보고가 있다. 하물며 다른 개별 대상자의 fMRI 검사를 이용한 자침의 효과 및 경혈의 특이성 연구에 있어서 그룹분석 결과를 확고하게 하기 위해서는 개별 대상자들 간의 편차의 정도를 파악하고 개별데이터가 그룹 분석에 미치는 영향을 이해할 때 fMRI를 이용한 연구의 한계와 그 극복 방안에 대하여 본질적으로 접근할 수 있다고 판단된다. 따라서, 본 연구에서는 fMRI를 이용한 침 연구에서 개별분석 결과가 그룹분석 결과에 미치는 영향을 알아보는 것을 목적으로 계획되었다. 신체 건강한 성인 남자 15명을 대상으로 3.0 테슬러 자기공명영상장치를 이용하였다. 개인별 뇌구조영상과 뇌기능영상을 얻었으며, 뇌기능 영상은 진짜 침과 거짓 침 자극을 실시하였다. 자극방법은 블록방식(Block design)으로 30초의 비자극시간과 45초의 자극 시간을 3회 반복하여 총 3분 45초간 시행하였다. 자극은 우측 다리의 족삼리(ST36)를 이용하였고, 자침한 후 2 Hz의 속도로 침이 좌우로 반복하여 회전하도록 하여 자극을 주었다. 거짓 침 자극은 끝이 둥근 모양의 침으로 실시하였다. 뇌기능적 영상은 BOLD (Blood oxygenation level dependent) 경사자장 EPI (echo-planar imaging) 영상기법을 이용하였다. 각 피험자에 대한 개별 분석과 전체 피험자에 대한 그룹분석을 하였다. 족삼리 자침을 통한 개별분석 결과 거짓 침과 진짜 침 자극에 의한 뇌 활성화 반응은 개별 대상자들간의 편차가 큰 것으로 나타났으며, 이는 일부 대상자들에서만 나타난 뇌 활성화 반응의 결과가 그룹 분석의 결과에 크게 반영되었다는 것을 의미한다. 우리는 fMRI를 이용한 자침의 효과 및 경혈의 특이성 연구에 있어서 그룹분석 결과를 확고하게 하기 위해서는 개별 데이터들이 제공되어야 한다는 것을 제안한다.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제26권6호
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• pp.67-76
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• 2009

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to examine if Radix Aconiti herbal acupuncture may be effective to the neuropathic pain(mechanical allodynia, cold allodynia) in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Methods : To produce the model of neuropathic pain, under isoflurane 2.5% anesthesia, L5 spinal nerve was ligated by 6-0 silk thread. After neurophathic surgery, the author examined if the animals exhibited the behavioral sign of allodynia. The allodynia was assessed by stimulating the medial malleolus with von frey filament and acetone. Three days after the neuropathic surgery, Radix Aconiti herbal acupuncture was injected at Hwando($GB_{30}$) one time per two days for 2 weeks. After that, the author examined the withdrawal response of neuropathic rats' legs by von frey filament and acetone stimulation. And also the author examined c-Fos in the midbrain central gray of neuropathic rats and the change of WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT count in the blood of neuropathic rats. Results : The Radix Aconiti herbal acupuncture injected Hwando($GB_{30}$) decreased the withdrawal response of mechanical allodynia that assessed with von frey filament in RA1-$GB_{30}$, RA2-$GB_{30}$ group as compared with control group. The Radix Aconiti herbal acupuncture injected Hwando($GB_{30}$) decreased the withdrawal response of chemical allodynia(cold allodynia) that assessed with acetone in RA1-$GB_{30}$, RA2-$GB_{30}$ group as compared with control group. The Radix Aconiti herbal acupuncture injected Hwando($GB_{30}$) showed the significant between control group and RA2-$GB_{30}$ group in the c-Fos expression. The Radix Aconiti herbal acupuncture injected Hwando($GB_{30}$) did not show the significant between control group and RA1-$GB_{30}$ group, RA2-$GB_{30}$ group and RA3-$GB_{30}$ group in the WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT count. Conclusions : We have noticed that Radix Aconiti herbal acupuncture at Hwando($GB_{30}$) decreased mechanical allodynia and cold allodynia in the model of neuropathic pain compared with the control group. C-fos expression in the central gray of that group was also decreased compared with the control group. This study can be used as a basic resource on a study and a treatment of pain.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.290-299
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• 2012

Objectives : 'Obtaining qi(deqi)' is a sensation experienced by a patient or an acupuncturist during acupuncture treatment, and it is considered to be an important factor in acupuncture treatment. However, previous studies reported conflicting results about the relationship between 'obtaining qi(deqi)' sensation and the effect of acupuncture treatment. Also, most of the previous studies investigating 'obtaining qi(deqi)' and the acupuncture effect, dealt with the analgesic effect of acupuncture. The objective of this study was to analyze the relation between the 'obtaining qi(deqi)' and the anti-itching effect of acupuncture treatment. Methods : Twenty one healthy subjects participated in this study. At the first visit, itch was induced to all subjects using intradermal injection of histamine on the lower arm. At the second visit, acupuncture treatment was applied using LI11 and 'obtaining qi(deqi)' was assessed. After acupuncture treatment, itch was induced again, and itch VAS and skin flare were assessed. Results: At the 6,8,10 minutes after histamine injection, the change of itch VAS between before and after acupuncture treatment was significant. Among 'obtaining qi(deqi)', subjects reported that 'dull ache', 'pricking', 'heavy' were most strong. Total score of 'obtaining qi(deqi)' sensation was not related to the change of itch VAS or skin flare. The 'electric shock' sensation is related to the change of itch VAS, and 'bruised' and 'heavy' sensations were related to the change of skin flare. Conclusions : Total 'obtaining qi(deqi)' is not related to the anti-itching effect of acupuncture, but several sensations showed relationship with the effect of acupuncture on itch severity and skin flare. Further researches based on various symptoms or acupuncture points, are needed.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.300-314
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• 2012

Objectives : This study is to observe the changes in the expression of neurotransmitters, such as NO, nNOS, and NE, upon the needle insertion to the sea points, which is one of the five transport points. Methods : Needles were inserted into rats, on both left and right sides of all sea points, including the LU5, PC3, HT3, LI11, TE10, SI8, SP9, LR8, KI10, ST36, GB34, and BL40, which are the sea points of five transport points for 12 meridian vessels. After insertion, needles were retained for five minutes. After the retention, blood was drawn via cardiac puncture, and tissues of each point near meridian vessels were extracted to examine the changes in the expression of NO, nNOS and NE. Results : In terms of the effect in NO production, there was a significant decrease only in the LU5 point, whereas there was a significant increase in the TE10 point alone. In terms of the expression of nNOS within tissues, none of the experimental groups showed significant changes based on the results of immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Regarding the formation of norepinephrine within tissues, the HT3, SP9, and KI10 point showed a significant decrease, while the PC3 and LR8 point showed a significant increase. Production of plasma norepinephrine was significantly increased at the TE10, SP9, LR8, GB34, and BL40 point. Conclusions : The effect of needles applied at the sea points of five transport points of 12 meridian vessels on the functions of NO, nNOS, and NE could be observed, and it is considered that the effect of needle stimulation on nervous system disorders could be studied through additional researches based on this one.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제30권4호
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• pp.264-271
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• 2013

Objectives : To observe the changes in the expression of neurotransmitters NO and enzymes that create NO, such as nNOS, iNOS and eNOS, upon the needle insertion on river point, one of the five transport points of three yang meridians on the forefoot. Methods : Based on rats, needle was inserted on both sides of LI5, SI5 and TE6, which are river points of three yang meridians on the forefoot, and were retained for five minutes. After the retention, blood was drawn via cardiac puncture and tissues from each point around meridian vessels were extracted to be examined on the changes of the expression of NO, as well as of nNOS, iNOS and eNOS. Results : In terms of the effect on NO creation in tissues, none of the experimental groups showed any significant change compared to the Normal group. In terms of the effect on expression of nNOS within tissues, LI5 and SI5 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. In iNOS within tissues, LI5 and SI5 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. In eNOS within tissues, SI5 showed significant increase based on the results of immunohistochemistry. Conclusions : The effect on the function of NO, nNOS, iNOS and eNOS of needle insertion on the river points of three yang meridians on the forefoot could be observed, and based on this study, it is considered that the effect of needle stimulation on the changes of nervous system could be found out through additional research.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.365-371
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• 2006

Bee Venom aqua-acupuncture (BVA) simultaneously exerts pharmacological effects of biologically active compounds, existed in the whole bee venom, and medicinal effect of the stimulation of acupuncture points. BVA has been considered as a promising therapeutic method for treating various chronic diseases, mainly accompanying severe pain and inflammation. As a painless injection device, jet injectors have been commercially marketed for various clinical applications including insulin injection and vaccination. Among them, a pressure-driven jet injector system could be used for intradermal delivery of a variety of drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic effects of the BVA using a needle-free injector (Biojector $2000^{\circledR}$, Bioject Inc., OR, USA), compared to the conventional BV aqua-acupuncture using a typical syringe. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with bee venom $(0.08mg/kg,\;50{\mu}l)$ using Biojector $2000^{\circledR}$ (BVA-B) or a syringe (BVA-5) into the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint, 30 minutes before plantar injection of 2% formalin. It was found that BVA-B-, or BVA-5-treated rats, compared to controls, exhibited significantly less licking behavior during the late phase in the rat formalin test, when compared to controls. During early phase, however, those effects were not significant but substantial. The analgesic effect of BVA-B was also compatible with that of the conventional BVA-5. In the immunohistochemical studies, BVA-B significantly suppressed the expression of formalin-evoked c-fos, a biomarker of neuronal activity, in the lumbar dorsal horn of the spinal cord. These results indicated that BVA-B waseffective in the modulation of pain in the rat formalin test, compared to BVA-5. Taken together, the needle-free jet injector system could be substituted for the conventional aqua- acupuncture with the advantage of little pain.

• 한방안이비인후피부과학회지
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• 제30권3호
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• pp.119-133
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• 2017

Objectives : This study is designed for analysis of trend and curative effect of Korean medicine for idiopathic external ophthalmoplegia. Methods : Research studies related to objectives were gathered through OASIS and KTKP and analyzed. Results : 21 case reports were selected. 5 korean medicine therapies, Herb, acupuncture, moxibustion, electroacupuncture, and pharmacopuncture, were executed. Restorative herb including Bojungikki-tang was frequently used in herb therapy. Facial and cephalic acupoints and non-facial, non-cephalic acupoints which individually differ were mostly simultaneously executed as acupuncture therapy. Also, moxibustion was partly performed. Electroacupuncture was carried out to affected area with electric stimulation at the strength of 1Hz and 4Hz. Hominis placental pharmacopuncture, 0.1cc or 0.5cc for each acupoint, was injected on disease area. After analyzing number of Korean medicine treatment and period of Korean medicine treatment from 21 case reports, the recovery period of idiopathic external ophthalmoplegia, 36.6 treatment session/36.69 days, was assessed to be more than one month shorter than previously known recovery period. Number of treatment sessions and treatment period for 11 cases when pharmacopuncture or electroacupunture was applied were 10/29, 35/29.96, which was 15 days shorter in terms of treatment period and 10 times less in terms of number of treatment sessions compared to cases when pharmacopuncture or electroacupunture was not applied. Conclusions : Korean medicine treatment can be effective for recovery of idiopathic external ophthalmoplegia.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.23-35
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• 2005

본 연구에서는 전침자극이 면역계의 THl/TH2 분화평형에 미치는 영향과 opioid system 과의 관계를 알아보고자 DNP-KLH의 자극을 통해 IgE 매개 알러지 반응모델을 구축하고 족삼리(足三里).에 전침자극을 가한 후 TH1/TH2 분화평형 및 opioid receptor antagonist인 naloxone에 의 한 반전여부를 확인하기 위해 total IgE, antigen-specific IgE, IFN-${\gamma}$ 및 IL-4 mRNA 발현량을 측정하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. 1. 전침자극은 DNP-KLH로 인해 과도하게 생산 된 혈청 total IgE 및 antigen-specific IgE를 감소시킴으로서 알러지 반응에 대한 유의한 억제능을 발휘하였으며, naloxone 투여로 전침 의 효과가 상쇠된 것으로 미루어 opioid system이 전침에 의한 항알러지 효과에 중요한 역할을 하는 것으로 추정된다. 2. 또한 전침자극은 DNP-KLH로 인한 TH2 cytokine의 편향상태에 대하여 TH1/TH2 평형조절능을 가진다는 것을 확인하였으며, naloxone으로 반전되지 않는 것으로 미루어 전침이 미치는 보조 T cell 분화에 대한 효과 는 opioid system에 의존하지 않는 것으로 추정된다.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제30권3호
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• pp.125-134
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• 2013

Objectives : We studied the effects of electro and laser acupuncture treatment with $GB_{39}$ and $GB_{34}$ on neuropathic pain in rats induced by tibial and sural nerve ligation. Methods : To produce the model of neuropathic pain, the tibial and sural nerves of rats were ligated by a 6-0 silk thread. Three days after the neuropathic surgery, only electro acupuncture(EA), electro acupuncture and 830 nm laser acupuncture(EA-LA-1), and electro acupuncture and 904 nm laser acupuncture(EA-LA-2) were treated with $GB_{39}$ and $GB_{34}$ twice a week for 8 weeks. We observed the withdrawal response of neuropathic rats' legs by von Frey filament and acetone stimulation. We also observed c-fos and nocieptin on the central gray area in the midbrain of neuropathic rats. Results : As we observed the effect of mechanical allodynia, the EA and EA-LA-1 groups in 5 and 6 weeks and the EA-LA-2 group in 6 weeks increased significantly compared with the control group. As for the effect of c-fos activity in the central gray region, the EA, EA-LA-1, and EA-LA-2 groups decreased significantly compared with the control group. The EA-LA-2 group increased significantly compared with the control group as regards the effect of nociceptin activity in the central gray region. Conclusions : We noticed the synergic effect of electro and laser acupuncture treatment because the EA-LA-1 and EA-LA-2 groups had more controllable effect compared with the control group. This study can be used in clinical therapy for neuropathic pain.