Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 1993 ; 18(3): 228-31.

[The segmental distribution of afferent neurons of liver, and "qi men" point, "tai chong" point in the spinal ganglion]

Tao Z, Li R.

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

Experimental animals were 38 cats, 10% HRP 50-60 microliters was injected into "Tai Chong", "Qi Men" points respectively and 10 cats were used for each point. Another 18 cats were injected with 10% HRP 100 microliters into the liver. The segmental distribution of afferent neurons of points and liver was observed under light microscope. We observed the majority of labeled cells in the spinal ganglion. The segmental distribution of afferent neurons of "Tai Chong" point was T12, L1-7 and S1-3. The segmental distribution of afferent neurons of "Qi Men" point was T5-8. The segmental distribution of afferent neurons of liver was T3-12 and L1. The results show that the afferent of "Tai Chong, Qi Men" points and the liver are mutual intersected and overlapped for 2-4 segments. The mutual intersection and overlapping were probably the morphological foundation of treatment of liver disease by needing "Tai Chong", "Qi Men" point, at the same time, the results may elucidate the underlying mechanism of correlation between acupoints and viscera, too.