Mast cells are a type of immune cells in the human body which play a vital role in the progression of many diseases. They are involved in protective host immunity as the regulators.
Acupuncture is an effective analgesic therapy. Acupuncture points (acupoints) are characterized by a high density of subcutaneous mast cells (MCs); their activation has turned out to play a crucial role in the initiation of the analgesic effect.
Recent research has shown that subcutaneous mast cells are involved in the trigger mechanism of analgesia induced by acupuncture.
Skin mast cells are present at a high density in acupuncture points, and they are sensitive to mechanical stimulation. The enrichment of mast cells and the dense arrangement of collagen fibers, microvessels, and nerves form the basis for acupoints as the reaction sites of acupuncture.
Acupuncture manipulation activates the mast cells via the collagen network resulting in the migration, the aggregation, and the activation of mast cells. Acupuncture can cause the deformation of collagen fibers and activate TRPV channels on mast cells membrane, so as to stimulate mast cells to release bioactive substances and activate nerve receptors to generate analgesic effect.
References
Li-Na Wang et al Cells. 2022 Mar; 11(5): 809.
Yingchen Li et al Cells. 2022 Mar; 11(5): 860.
