Effects of Acupoint Thermal Stimulation on Itch in the Mice Atopic Dermatitis Model

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SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM

T24 Poster Session

Session 2: Skin and Autoimmunity 22-18:00 08:00 2013-בונ

Abstract: P2-027

EFFECTS OF ACUPOINT THERMAL STIMULATION ON ITCH IN THE MICE ATOPIC DERMATITIS MODEL Background and aims: Chinese ancient records and several clinic trials showed that acupuncture make a significant reduction of atopic dermatitis symptoms. We investigated the effects of different thermal stimulation at acupoint LI11 (Quchi) on scratching in mice elicited by subcutaneous administration of the pruritogenic agent (compound 48/80).

Methods: Ninety male ICR mice were divided into different groups: Normal saline s.c.; Compound 48/80 s.c.; and Compound 48/80 s.c. with various thermal (5°C, 15°C, 25°C, 35°C and 45°C) stimulation at L111. The mice were acclimated individually in rectangular observation boxes for at least 2 hours. After different temperature stimulation (n = 6/condition) was performed at LI11 acupoint in mice under isoflurane anesthesia for 20 minutes, pruritogens were subcutaneous administrated on midline behind the neck of each mouse, and the scratch response was recorded. The other two groups without temperature stimulation were subcutaneous administrated of pruritogens or normal saline after anesthesia. Moreover, the cervical spinal cords (C5 - C7) were removed and fixed in paraformaldehyde solution overnight at 4ºC. Six cervical sections from each animal were randomly selected and the number of c-fos positive nuclei was counted under a light microscope.

Results: The application of lower temperature (15°C) at the LI11 acupoint attenuated compound 48/80-induced scratch. In addition, the application of lower temperature to the LI11 acupoint also decreased the number of c-fos positive nuclei provoked by compound 48/80.

Conclusions: Lower temperature stimulation (15°C) at the LI11 acupoint attenuated scratching behavior induced by compound 48/80 in the mice atopic dermatitis model.

Co-authors

Y.H. Chen1, W.C. Chen1, H.Y. Chen1, K.S. Tsai2.

1_{Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.} 2_{Department of Dermatology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.}

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