Jie Tian PhD, PRESENTER: Nothing to Disclose

Abstract: HTML Purpose: To address whether pain-specific acupoints are point specific, and to study the mechanism of acupuncture. Methods and Materials: We studied 60 healthy volunteers (20~40 years, 42 males, 18 females) by using a 3.0T GE Signa scanner (GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI, USA). Gradient Echo EPI sequence was utilized to acquire blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) contrast functional images. The axial T1 weighted image is scanned for obtaining the structural reference of functional images (Sagittal and axial T1 weighted image with the TR=3000, TE=minimal full). The slice of BOLD functional image location is identical to those of axial T1 weighted image (TR/TE=4000ms/35ms, flip angle=90o, FOV=26, matrix=64x64, 25 slices, slice thickness =5). The experimental design included two sessions, acupoint and sham point stimulated. Each session had two fMRI scanning, with a 10-minute rest. During the rest, acupuncture was performed at Liv3 (Taichong) or sham point (3 cm lateral away from the Liv3) on the right foot. The acupuncture was manipulated every 30 seconds. Needle (sterile disposable No. 32 stainless steel, 0.26 mm in diameter) was twirled clockwise and counterclockwise at a rate of 180 times per minute. fMRI data were analyzed by using SPM99. The main procedure is as follows: Realign the functional images to the first image to correct the motion. Spatial normalize the realigned volumes to the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI). Then transform the MNI coordinates to Talairach coordinates. We analyzed the data statistically on a voxel-by-voxel basis. Each contrast produced a statistical parametric map of the t statistic for each voxel SPM(t), which was transformed to a Z distribution. The data were thresholded at P=0.001 and a spatial threshold of 20 voxel. Results: fMRI is very sensitive to detect the brain activity after pain stimulation using 3T MR scanner. Many cortical centers were involved in neuronal activity of pain, which had different roles. The anterior cingulate cortex and thalamic areas were activated as a result of pain stimulation. Decreased activation in these areas was noted following both meridian acupuncture and sham acupuncture (P=0.0001 for all). Conclusion: The orientation of pain feeling was not the same, whether in real acupoint experiment or in sham point experiment. Clear differences between sham point stimulation and the acupiont stimulation in the cortical areas were observed. Further study is needed to investigate the underlying neurophysiological mechanism.       Questions about this event email: drxflee@yahoo.com

Tian PhD, J, Neuronal Specificity of Acupuncture Response: A BOLD fMRI Study with High Magnetic Fields (3.0T).  Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3105727.html