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Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine >

2024 , Vol. 44 >Issue 4: 660 - 669

DOI: https://doi.org/10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20240626.003

Original articles

Adenosine triphosphate mediates the pain tolerance effect of manual acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) in mice

  • Zhongzheng LI ,
  • Yadan ZHAO ,
  • Weigang Ma ,
  • Yonglong Zhang ,
  • Zhifang XU ,
  • Qiang XI ,
  • Yanqi LI ,
  • Siru QIN ,
  • Zichen ZHANG ,
  • Songtao WANG ,
  • Xue ZHAO ,
  • Yangyang LIU ,
  • Yi GUO ,
  • Yongming GUO
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  • 1 Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
    2 National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 301617, China
    3 Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Qingdao Hiser Hospital Affiliated of Qingdao University (Qingdao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Qingdao 266033, China
    4 School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
    5 School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China

Received date: 2023-01-11

  Accepted date: 2023-07-24

  Online published: 2024-06-26

Supported by

National Key R&D Program of China: Biological Mechanisms of Acupoint Function-Effect Associations(2019YFC1709003);National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Top-level Project: Study on the Neuroimmunological Mechanism of Macrophage Phenotypic Polarisation for Anti-inflammation Regulated by Acupuncture(81873369);National Natural Science Foundation of China Young Science Fund Project: Study on the Neuromodulation Mechanism of Electroacupuncture to Improve Neutropenia after Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer(81704146);National Natural Science Foundation of China Key Project: Research on the Initial Kinetic Regulation Mechanism of Acupuncture Effect Based on the Physicochemical Coupling Network of Acupuncture Point Microenvironment(82030125)

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanisms behind the effects of acupuncture in Traditional Chinese Medicine, we delved into the adenosine triphosphate/peripheral purinergic P2X receptor 3 (ATP/P2X3) receptor signaling system as an indicator of the body's energy state, commonly referred to as "Qi".

METHODS: The tail-flick test was utilized to explore the impact of acupuncture on pain tolerance threshold (PTT) in mice, while also assessing adenosine (ADO) levels and adenylate energy charge (EC) at Zusanli (ST36). The study further investigated the dose-dependent effects of acupuncture on PTT and ADO levels at Zusanli (ST36). To shed light on the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture's effects, the study examined the impact of ATP, a P2X3 receptor antagonist, and adenosine disodium on PTT following acupuncture administration.

RESULTS: Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) led to significant improvements in PTT in mice, with the most effective interventions being twirling for 2 min and needle retention for 28 min. These interventions also resulted in significant increases in ATP levels. The effects of acupuncture were further augmented by administration of different doses of ATP at Zusanli (ST36), and pretreatment with a P2X3 receptor antagonist decreased PTT. Adenylate EC peaked at 30 min after intraperitoneal injection of ATP, and pretreatment with various doses of i.p. ATP 30 min prior to acupuncture increased PTT in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, pretreatment with an i.p. or intramuscular injection of adenosine disodium enhanced the effects of acupuncture.

CONCLUSION: This research provides compelling evidence that ATP is involved in the regulation of PTT through acupuncture, revealing new avenues for achieving enhanced clinical outcomes.

Key words： acupuncture; point ST36 (Zusanli); adenosine triphosphate; receptors, purinergic P2X3; energy state

Cite this article

Zhongzheng LI , Yadan ZHAO , Weigang Ma , Yonglong Zhang , Zhifang XU , Qiang XI , Yanqi LI , Siru QIN , Zichen ZHANG , Songtao WANG , Xue ZHAO , Yangyang LIU , Yi GUO , Yongming GUO . Adenosine triphosphate mediates the pain tolerance effect of manual acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) in mice[J]. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2024 , 44(4) : 660 -669 . DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20240626.003

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