Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1997 Nov; 18(6): 494-6.

Relationship between electroacupuncture analgesia and dopamine receptors in nucleus accumbens.

Wang YQ, Cao XD, Li KY, Wu GC.

Department of Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical University, China.

AIM: To study the roles of dopamine (DA) D1 and D2 receptors in nucleus accumbens in electroacupuncture analgesia (EAA) and the potentiation of EAA of rats induced by l-tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP), a dopamine receptor antagonist. METHODS: SK&F-38393 and quinpirole hydrochloride (Qui), highly selective agonists of D1 and D2 receptors, respectively were injected into nucleus accumbens of rats. RESULTS: SK&F-38393 (5 and 10 micrograms) attenuated the potentiation of EAA induced by l-THP, 10 micrograms SKF38393 attenuated EAA as well, while Qui (10 and 20 micrograms) had no effect on EAA and the potentiation of EAA induced by l-THP. CONCLUSION: D1 but not D2 receptor in nucleus accumbens play an important role in EAA and the potentiation of EAA induced by l-THP.