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Immunohistochemical study on acupuncture points in rat skin
Author(s) -
Ogay Vyacheslav,
Kim MinSu,
Soh KwangSup
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a599-a
Subject(s) - immunohistochemistry , anatomy , plexus , pathology , acupuncture point , confocal microscopy , acupuncture , human skin , confocal , medicine , lymphatic system , biology , physics , alternative medicine , genetics , optics , microbiology and biotechnology
Anatomical characterization of acupuncture points and meridians is an essential question in Oriental medicine. Bonghan Kim claimed that the system of acupuncture points and meridians had specific anatomical structure and formed the network of corpuscles and ducts in mammalian skin. To test this claim, we chose two acupoints in rat skin, CV12 and CV14. Skin samples were sectioned with a crytome at 100–150 mkm and then examined with immunohistochemistry and multi‐photon confocal microscopy. Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy revealed specific gathering of coiled blood vessels and capillaries (plexus) in dermal and hypodermal layers of the skin. The blood plexus also was connected with lymphatic vessels and nerve endings. Image analysis of 3‐D data showed that observed complex plexus in acupoint areas has shape of corpuscle‐like structure measuring about 300 × 500 mkm. These results suggest that complex corpuscle‐like structure (Bonghan corpuscle) in the skin may be anatomical substrate for acupuncture points. We are continuing with experiments to characterize corpuscle‐like structure in detail and define its physiological function. This research was supported by the Korean Science and Engineering Foundation (NRL, M1‐0300‐00‐0324).