How doe acupuncture release pain? research updates.
Mast cells are a crucial type of immune cells in the human body that play a significant role in the progression of numerous diseases. They serve as regulators of protective host immunity. Acupuncture, on the other hand, has been proven to be an effective analgesic therapy. Acupuncture points, also known as acupoints, are characterized by a high concentration of subcutaneous mast cells (MCs), and their activation has been found to play a crucial role in the initiation of the analgesic effect.
Recent studies have revealed that subcutaneous mast cells are involved in the mechanism of analgesia induced by acupuncture. The high density of skin mast cells in acupuncture points makes them highly sensitive to mechanical stimulation. The accumulation of mast cells and the dense arrangement of collagen fibers, microvessels, and nerves form the basis for acupoints as the reaction sites of acupuncture.
During acupuncture manipulation, the activation of the mast cells occurs via the collagen network, resulting in the migration, aggregation, and activation of mast cells. Acupuncture can also lead to the deformation of collagen fibers and activation of TRPV channels on the mast cell membrane, thus stimulating mast cells to release bioactive substances and activate nerve receptors, thereby generating an analgesic effect.
In essence, the interaction between mast cells and acupuncture points is essential in producing the analgesic effect of acupuncture. Acupuncture stimulation triggers the release of mast cell-derived mediators, including histamine, serotonin, cytokines, and neuropeptides, which contribute to the analgesic effects of acupuncture. Moreover, mast cells are activated by acupuncture manipulation through mechanical stimulation, leading to the release of various substances that can activate nerve receptors, thereby causing pain relief.
Furthermore, studies have shown that the analgesic effects of acupuncture are partly dependent on the activation of mast cells. Acupuncture manipulation has been demonstrated to increase the number of mast cells and the release of mast cell-derived mediators, leading to enhanced analgesic effects.
In conclusion, acupuncture is a promising analgesic therapy, and its mechanism of action is closely related to mast cells. The high concentration of mast cells in acupuncture points makes them highly sensitive to mechanical stimulation, leading to the release of various bioactive substances that contribute to the analgesic effects of acupuncture. Therefore, further research is required to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of acupuncture in diseases involving mast cell activation.
References
Li-Na Wang et al Cells. 2022 Mar; 11(5): 809.
Yingchen Li et al Cells. 2022 Mar; 11(5): 860.
Recent studies have revealed that subcutaneous mast cells are involved in the mechanism of analgesia induced by acupuncture. The high density of skin mast cells in acupuncture points makes them highly sensitive to mechanical stimulation. The accumulation of mast cells and the dense arrangement of collagen fibers, microvessels, and nerves form the basis for acupoints as the reaction sites of acupuncture.
During acupuncture manipulation, the activation of the mast cells occurs via the collagen network, resulting in the migration, aggregation, and activation of mast cells. Acupuncture can also lead to the deformation of collagen fibers and activation of TRPV channels on the mast cell membrane, thus stimulating mast cells to release bioactive substances and activate nerve receptors, thereby generating an analgesic effect.
In essence, the interaction between mast cells and acupuncture points is essential in producing the analgesic effect of acupuncture. Acupuncture stimulation triggers the release of mast cell-derived mediators, including histamine, serotonin, cytokines, and neuropeptides, which contribute to the analgesic effects of acupuncture. Moreover, mast cells are activated by acupuncture manipulation through mechanical stimulation, leading to the release of various substances that can activate nerve receptors, thereby causing pain relief.
Furthermore, studies have shown that the analgesic effects of acupuncture are partly dependent on the activation of mast cells. Acupuncture manipulation has been demonstrated to increase the number of mast cells and the release of mast cell-derived mediators, leading to enhanced analgesic effects.
In conclusion, acupuncture is a promising analgesic therapy, and its mechanism of action is closely related to mast cells. The high concentration of mast cells in acupuncture points makes them highly sensitive to mechanical stimulation, leading to the release of various bioactive substances that contribute to the analgesic effects of acupuncture. Therefore, further research is required to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of acupuncture in diseases involving mast cell activation.
References
Li-Na Wang et al Cells. 2022 Mar; 11(5): 809.
Yingchen Li et al Cells. 2022 Mar; 11(5): 860.
