Acupuncture of LI-4 in Anesthetized Healthy Humans Decreases Cerebral Blood Flow in the Putamen Measured with Positron Emission Tomography

In Brief To minimize the influence of exogenous factors, 13 volunteers were anesthetized with sevoflurane 1 MAC while exposed to manual acupuncture stimulation of LI-4 (Group 1, n = 7) or a placebo point in the space between the third and fourth metacarpals (Group II, n = 6). During anesthesia (baseline) and anesthesia + acupuncture, one H215O scan was performed, respectively. Group I demonstrated a significant decrease in regional cerebral blood flow in the right medial frontal gyrus (20%) and in the left putamen (17%). In Group II regional cerebral blood flow was decreased in the right medial frontal gyrus (22%); in the putamen no significant changes were observed. These data suggest that needle penetration of the skin affects the medial frontal gyrus, whereas acupuncture of LI-4 influences the putamen. IMPLICATIONS: To minimize the influence of exogenous factors, manual acupuncture of LI-4 was performed in anesthetized healthy humans. Regional cerebral blood flow, measured with positron emission tomography, was decreased in the putamen and in the medial frontal gyrus. During false acupuncture, cerebral blood flow was decreased in the medial frontal gyrus only.