• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.13-24
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• 2005

Background and Objectives : Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention is widely used for the treatment of many functional disorders such as substance abuse and mental dysfunction. Clinical trials are currently underway to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of drug addiction. Yet, there are still many unanswered questions about the basic mechanism of acupuncture. Studies have shown that both the psychomotor stimulant effects and rewarding properties of addictive drugs, including morphine, are sensitized by repeated drug administration and raised the possibility that both of these effects may be linked to the same or closely overlapping the mesolimbic dopamine systems. Neiguan (PC6) point on the pericardium channel which is associated with the brain and its mental function, has been used to treat mental, psychosomatic disorders and gastroenterological disorders. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of acupuncture on repeated morphine-induced changes in extracellular dopamine levels using in vivo microdialysis and to measure the effect of acupuncture on Fos-like immunoreactivity. Methods : Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated twice a day for three days with increasing doses of morphine (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, s.c.) or with saline. After 15 days of withdrawal, rats were challenged with morphine hydrochloride (5 mg/kg, s.c.). Acupuncture was applied at bilateral Neiguan (PC6) points for 1 min after the morphine challenge. Results showed that acupuncture at the specific acupoint PC6, but not at control points (tail and HE8) significantly decreased Fos-like immunoreactivity induced by a systemic morphine challenge or a single s.c. morphine injection in the morphine-repeated animals. Results and Conclusions : These results suggest that reduction in sensitization may be one mechanism whereby acupuncture alleviates morphine craving in addicts. Moreover, in a more general sense these results suggest that acupuncture can be used as a therapeutic intervention for correcting reversible malfunction of the body by direction of brain pathway and thus acupuncture can contribute to the biochemical balance in the central nervous system by regulating neurotransmitters.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.40-49
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• 2014

Objectives: The gastric ulcer is a common disorder of the stomach and duodenum. The basic physiopathology of a gastric ulcer results from an imbalance between some endogenous aggressive and cytoprotective factors. This study examined whether Ganoderma lucidum pharmacopuncture (GLP) would provide protection against acute gastric ulcers in rats. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into 4 groups of 8 rats each: normal, control, normal saline (NP) and GLP groups. The experimental acute gastric ulcer was induced by using an EtOH/HCl solution and the normal group received the same amount of normal saline instead of ethanol. The NP and the GLP groups were treated once with injections of saline and GLP, respectively. Two local acupoints were used: CV12 (中脘) which is the alarm point of the Stomach Meridian, and ST36 (足三里), which is the sea point of the Stomach Meridian. The stomachs from the rats in each group were collected and analyzed for gross appearance and histology. Also, immunohistochemistry staining for BAX, Bcl-2 and TGF-${\beta}1$ was performed. Results: Histological observations of the gastric lesions in the control group showed comparatively extensive damage of the gastric mucosa and necrotic lesions had penetrated deeply into the mucosa. The lesions were long, hemorrhagic, and confined to the glandular portions. The lesions were measured microscopically by using the clear depth of penetration into the gastric mucosal surface. The length and the width of the ulcer were measured and the inhibition percentage was calculated. Wound healing of the acute gastric ulcer was promoted by using GLP, and significant alterations of indices in gastric mucosa were observed. Such protection was shown by gross appearance, histology and immunohistochemistry staining for BAX, Bcl-2 and TGF-${\beta}1$. Conclusion: These results suggest that GLP administered at CV12 and ST36 can provide significant protection to the gastric mucosa against an ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.169-176
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• 2006

Objectives : This study was designed to compare the effects of tonification and sedation methods of Liver Meridian in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease mice model. Methods : We injected MPTP (30 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline for 5 consecutive days. Acupuncture treatments were given to the mice with MPTP at LR8 and LR4 to tonify Liver Meridian (Liver+) or LR4 and LR2 to sedate it (Liver-) for 12 day. At the 12th day after first injection, mice were perfused, and then tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunohistochemistry was performed in substantia nigra (SN) of their brains. After counting the number of TH-positive neurons, we compared their numbers among experimental groups. Results : The number of TH-positive neurons of Liver+ group was significantly increased compared to that of MPTP group in the SN. That of Liver-group was also increased more than MPTP group, but not significantly. Conclusions : Tonifying Liver Meridian might be effective therapeutic tools for the neuroprotection in subchronic MPTP-induced mice model.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.1-13
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• 2015

Purpose : This research was conducted to investigate the effect of sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture and low level laser acupuncture on paw edema, pain index, anti-inflammatory factor, AST, ALT and complete blood cell count of a rat model with Complete Freund's Adjuvant-induced arthritis. Methods : Five experimental groups were formed with each consisting of six rats: normal group, control group, sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture group, lower level laser acupuncture group, and sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture, lower level laser acupuncture group. The experimental model of arthritis was induced by two injections of Freund's adjuvant into the left knee joint of Sprague Dawley(SD) rats. The second injection of Freund's adjuvant was given ten days after the first one. Ten days later, sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture and low level laser acupuncture were administered separately or together by assigned groups at $GB_{34}$ and $GB_{39}$ of rats twice a week for a total of six times. Thereafter, edema rate, pain index, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, interleukin-6, aspartate aminortansferase, alanine aminotransferase and complete blood cell count were measured. Results : We noticed synergic effects of sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture and low level laser acupuncture according to the results of the paw edema and Von Frey pain index. The sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture(BVA) and sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture+ low level laser acupuncture(BVA+LLA) groups experienced a more significant effect when compared with the control group. Conclusions : These results suggest that Sweet Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture and low level laser acupuncture at GB34 and GB39 have a significant anti-inflammatory effect on Freund's adjuvant arthritis in rats.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.982-992
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• 2005

Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention is widely used for the treatment of many functional disorders such as substance abuse and mental dysfunction. Clinical trials are currently underway to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of drug addiction. Yet, there are still many unanswered questions about the basic mechanism of acupuncture. Studies have shown that both the psychomotor stimulant effects and rewarding properties of addictive drugs, including morphine, are sensitized by repeated drug administration and raised the possibility that both of these effects may De linked to the same or closely overlapping the mesolimbic dopamine systems. Neiguan (PC6) point on the pericardium channel which is associated with the brain and its mental function, has been used to treat mental, psychosomatic disorders and gastroenterological disorders. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of acupuncture on repeated morphine-induced changes in extracellular dopamine levels using in vivo microdialysis and to measure the effect of acupuncture on repeated morphine-induced behavioral changes. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated twice a day for three days with increasing doses of morphine (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, s.c.) or with saline. After 15 days of withdrawal, rats were challenged with morphine hydrochloride (5 mg/kg, s.c.). Acupuncture was applied at bilateral Neiguan (PC6) points for 1min after the morphine challenge. Results showed that acupuncture at the specific acupoint PC6, but not at control points (tail and HE8) significantly decreased both dopamine release, behavior induced by a systemic morphine challenge or a single s.c. morphine injection in the morphine-repeated animals. These results suggest that reduction in sensitization may be one mechanism whereby acupuncture alleviates morphine craving in addicts. Moreover, in a more general sense these results suggest that acupuncture can be used as a therapeutic intervention for correcting reversible malfunction of the body by direction of brain pathway and thus acupuncture can contribute to the biochemical balance in the central nervous system by regulating neurotransmitters.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.279-289
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• 2006

This study has been carried out to understand the effect of SP3 and GV6 acupuncture on the hyperglycemic rat induced with Streptozotocin (STZ). Diabetes was induced in experimental groups by inraperitoneal injection of STZ (50mg/kg of body weight) twice by 24 h interval and the additional 100mg/kg 3 days after the earlier treatment. Control group was treated with tail-non acupoint, and experimental groups were treated SP3, GV6 and SP3+GV6 after hyperglycemic induction for 6 weeks. The body weight of control was lower than the experimental groups. The blood glucose was decreased significantly in the experimental groups. Glucose tolerance in acupuncture treated groups was improved. Blood cholesterol level and transaminase activites were lower in the experimental groups than in the control. In the SP3 or GV6 treated rats, hepatocyte degeneration were apparently decreased and the organelles were properly arranged. Furthermore, decrease in liver IGF-I mRNA expression was improved by the acupuncture in STZ-induced diabetic rats. In conclusion, our observation indicate that SP3 or GV6 acupoints treatment can exert beneficial effects in diabetes, with preservation of ${\beta}-cell$ function and liver function.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.119-135
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• 2005

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the Asthma-suppressive and Immune-regulatory effect of AF-HA(Aristolochiae Fructus Herbal-acupuncture) at Joksamni(St36) in OVA(ovalbumin) induced asthma mouse model. Methods : C57BL/6 mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA(ovalbumin) for 12 weeks(once a week). The mice in the OVA-AF-HA group were treated with AF-HA at St36 for the later 8weeks(3times/week). The mice in the OVA-Needle-prick group were treated with single prick with an injection needle at St36 for the later 8 weeks(3times/week). Results : 1. The lung weight and the total cells in lung of the mice treated with AF-HA at St36 decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-control group. 2. Total leukocytes and eosinophils in BALF of the mice group treated with AF-HA at St36 decreased remarkably compared with those of the OVA-control group. 3. The collagen accumulation in lung of OVA-AF-HA group decreased significantly compared with that of the OVA-control group, 4. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IgE in BALF, and IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 in serum of the mice group treated with AF-HA at St36 decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-control group. 5. The numbers of $Gr-1^+/CD11b^+\;and\;CD11b^+$ cells in lung of the mice group treated with AF-HA at St36 decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-control group. 6. The numbers of $CCR3^+,\;CD4^+,\;CD8^+\;and \;CD3e^+/CD69^+$ cells in lung of the mice group treated with AF-HA at 5136 decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-control group. 7. The mRNA expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-4, IL-5, IL13 in lung of the mice group treated with AF-HA at St36 decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-control group. Conclusion : These results suggest that Aristolochiae Fructus Herbal-acupuncture at Joksamni(St36) may be an effictive therapeutic method to treat asthma.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.223-234
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• 2005

Objective : The objective of this study was to research depression with acupuncture & moxibustion treatment. Methods : We searched Chinese Medical Literature(published from 1985~2002) related to depression and acupuncture. Results : 1) PC6(內關), HT7(神門), ST36(足三里), GV20(百會), LR3(太衝), SP6(三陰交) are much used for the treatment depression. 2. LR3(太衝), CV17(전중), GB34(陽陵泉), ST40(豊隆), PC6(內關) are much used for the excess type of depression and PC6(內關), SP6(三陰交), HT7(神門), BL15(心兪) are much used for deficiency type of depression. 3. ST36(足三里), SP6(三稜交), HT7(神門), PC6(內關), HT5(通里), KI1(通泉) are used for the treatment depression in electroacupuncture therapy. BL15(心兪), BL20(脾兪),ST36(足三里) are used for the treatment depression in acupoint injection therapy. 4. In dermal needle therapy, it is used to tap slightly until the skin becomes congested in the region of Bladder meridian and nape, back of Governor Vessel. 5. It seems that psychotherapy, music therapy and light therapy will be applied for the treatment of depression. Conclusion : We expect that acupuncture treatment of depression will be applied practically in clinical medicine due to further study on depression with acupuncture.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.90-98
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• 2023

Objectives : Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide and is characterized by the loss of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). In a previous in vitro study, we demonstrated that Sihogyeji-tang (SG), Sihosogan-tang (SS), and Sihocheonggan-tang (SC) have the potential to be candidate medicines for PD. This study aimed to compare the neuroprotective effect of SG, SS, and SC using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophridine (MPTP)-induced PD mouse model. Methods : Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally administered with 30 mg/kg of MPTP for 5 days and orally administered SG, SS and SC for 12 days from the first MPTP injection. Motor function was assessed using the pole test and the rotarod test. Dopaminergic neuronal survival in the SN and striatum was evaluated through tyrosine-hydroxylase immunohistochemistry. Results : MPTP administration resulted in behavioral impairment and dopaminergic neuronal death in the SN and striatum. In the pole test, treatment with SG, SS, and SC alleviated the MPTP-induced motor dysfunction on day 5 and 12. In the rotarod test, SS and SG alleviated the MPTP-induced motor dysfunction on day 5, while only SS showed improvement on day 12. SS and SG significantly protected dopaminergic neurons in the SN from MPTP toxicity, and all three compounds (SG, SS, and SC) showed significant protection in the striatum. Notably, SS demonstrated superior efficacy in suppressing MPTP-induced motor dysfunction and dopaminergic neuronal death compared to SG and SC. Conclusions : These findings suggest that SS is the most effective formula among SG, SS, and SC for PD, indicating its potential role in the treatment of PD.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.33-42
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• 2024

Objectives : The sigma-1 receptor is implicated in stress, depression, psychostimulant sensitization, and addiction vulnerability. Prior studies have indicated that ethanol exposure modulates sigma-1 receptor activity within the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA). Here, we explore the sub-mechanisms underlying sigma-1 receptor activity induced by HT7 (Shinmun) stimulation in behavioral alterations following acute ethanol (ETOH) administration. Methods : Male Wistar rats were investigated for pro- and anti-inflammatory markers after injection of ETOH (1 g/kg) using cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)s. After confirming that HT7 stimulation changed the total distance traveled in the open field test (OFT), protein changes in the Ventral tegmental area (VTA) were measured by Western blotting. The expression level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) after administration of a sigma-1 receptor antagonist (dihydrobromide 1047; BD1047, 10 mg/kg i.p.) and Shenmen (HT7) stimulation was compared. Results : As a result, acute ETOH administration increased proinflammatory marker levels (TNF-𝛼 and IL-6). HT7 stimulation restored the total distance response after acute ethanol administration. In addition, in the VTA, the levels of a microglial marker (iNOS), sigma-1 receptor and protein kinase C, which are predicted to be involved in up- and downregulation, were restored by HT7 stimulation. In particular, HT7 stimulation modulates iNOS expression through effects similar to BD treatment. This study suggests that the stimulatory effect of HT7 may be driven by microglial activation. Conclusions : Microglial activity is regulated by sigma-1 receptor, and sigma-1 receptor activity is regulated by HT7 stimulation. Significantly, we demonstrate that HT7 stimulation ameliorates behavioral alterations induced by acute ETOH administration through microglial activation within the VTA.