Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 1992 ; 17(3): 207-11.

[Effect electroacupuncture on the neurogenic inflammation]

Zhao F, Zhu L.

Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing.

The neurogenic inflammation caused by antidromic stimulation of the saphenous nerve was taken as an index of peripheral release of substance P. Electroacupuncture could reduce the plasma extravasation from the neurogenic inflammation by 69.7%, but electroacupuncture per se did not cause obvious plasma extravasation. In rats pretreated with capsaicin the plasma extravasation could be markedly reduced, in consistent with the reduction of substance P-like immunoreactivity in dorsal horn. It is referred that electroacupuncture might block the conveying the signals induced by nerve stimulation along the C-fibers and the axo-axonal reflex, leading to the reduction of peripheral release of substance P. Besides the mediation by different central structures, acupuncture might have direct effects on regulating peripherally the release of some inflammatory and painful mediators.