[Role of afferent C fibers in electroacupuncture of "zusanli" point in activating nucleus raphe magnus]

Sheng Li Xue Bao. 1990 Dec;42(6):523-33.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

The purpose of the present work is to study whether the analgesia of "Zusanli" EA was mainly produced by its noxious effect. The antidromic C waves on N. peroneus communis innervating the area of "Zusanli" point were recorded. When "Zusanli" point was stimulated by trains of stimuli, the amplitude of the antidromic C wave was obviously decreased due to collision with the orthodromic stimulation. It was suggested that EA of "Zusanli" could excite some C fibers. It was observed that when the stimulation intensity reached the threshold of C fiber, the NRM neurons were obviously activated, and when it reached or exceeded the intensity for producing the maximal C wave, the NRM neurons were highly activated. Therefore, EA analgesia is probably produced mainly by its noxious stimulus component, especially carried by C fibers, via a negative feedback mechanism in modulating pain.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Analgesia*
  • Acupuncture Points
  • Afferent Pathways / physiology
  • Animals
  • Cats
  • Electroacupuncture*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Nerve Fibers / physiology*
  • Nociceptors / physiology
  • Pain / physiopathology
  • Raphe Nuclei / physiology*
  • Rats