[Effects of acupuncture at "Sishencong" (EX-HN 1) on physiological functions in the sleep disorder model mouse].

OBJECTIVE

To probe into the effect of acupuncture at "Sishencong" (EX-HN 1) on sleep and the mechanism.

METHODS

Forty-eight white mice were randomly divided into a Sishencong group, a Zusanli group, a model group and a blank control group, 12 mice in each group. In the mice of the first 3 groups, sleep rhythm disorders was induced by repeatedly regular intraperitoneal injection of small dose of Caffeine, and the mice of the first two groups were treated by acupuncture at "Sishencong" (EX-HN 1) and "Zusanli" (ST 36), respectively. Living state and, circadian activities were observed, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and nitric oxide(NO) content in the brain were detected.

RESULTS

Acupuncture at "Sishencong" (EX-HN 1) or "Zusanli" (ST 36) could significantly increase NOS activity and NO content in the brain, with acupuncture at "Sishencong" (EX-HN 1) being significantly better than acupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture at Sishencong (EX-HN 1) treats insomnia and regulates sleep and many mental and nervous symptoms, which are carried out partially through increasing NOS activity and NO content, promoting normal function of brain tissues.