[Comparison of microcirculatory blood perfusion between acupoints of the stomach meridian and their bilateral control points and changes of blood flow after electroacupuncture in 21 volunteer subjects].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the difference of the microcirculatory blood perfusion between acupoints and non-acupoints of the Stomach Meridian and its bilateral control points and to analyze the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on subcutaneous microcirculatory perfusion in healthy volunteers.

METHODS

A total of 21 healthy adult volunteers were recruited in the present study. Subcutaneous microcirculatory blood perfusion units (BPU) of Shangjuxu (ST 37), Liangqiu (ST 34), Yinshi (ST 33), Futu (ST 32) and non-acupoint (the midpoint between ST 33 and ST 32) of the Stomach Meridian and their bilateral on-meridian points were measured by using Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF, PeriFlux 5000). EA (0.5 Hz,duration 0.2 ms, 3-4 V) was applied to Zusanli (ST 36) for 10 min. The subcutaneous microcirculatory perfusion was detected under room temperature of (28 +/- 1) degree C and humidity of about 60% after inserting a single-use syringe needle into the subcutaneous tissues (about 1 cm in depth).

RESULTS

In comparison with the bilateral control points, the subcutaneous microcirculatory BPU values of Shangjuxu (ST 37), Liangqiu (ST 34), Yinshi (ST 33), Futu (ST 32) and non-acupoint regions of the Stomach Meridian were significantly higher (P < 0.01). In comparison with pre-EA, the cutaneous microcirculatory BPU was increased mildly after EA of ST 36 (P > 0.05). Following EA for 5 to 10 min, the waveforms of LDF of the Stomach Meridian got regular and smooth.

CONCLUSION

The microcirculatory blood perfusion of acupoints and non-acupoint of the Stomach Meridian in the deeper subcutaneous tissues are significantly higher than that of their bilateral corresponding control points, suggesting that subcutaneous microvascular blood flow may be the heat source for forming infrared radiation trace along the meridian in the human body observed in our past studies.