Another Step in Unlocking the Process of Understanding How Acupuncture Works !
West Village Acupuncture
4 Milligan Place
Suite 1F
New York, N.Y. 10011
6th Ave btwn 10th & 11th
917.968.2854
University Of Rochester Study Establishes That Adenosine Plays a Role in How Acupuncture WorksA recently published study appearing in Nature adds new information to our understanding of the scientific underpinnings of how acupuncture works and its' effectiveness in pain management. A research team at the University of Rochester Medical Center uncovered additional mechanisms which help to explain the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating various pain syndromes. N Goldman, M Chen, T Fujita, Q Xu, W Peng, T Jensen, Y Pei, F Wang, X Han, JF Chen, J Schnermann, T Takano, L Bekar, K Nedergaard, M Nedergaard. Adenosine A1 receptors mediate local anti-nociceptive effects of acupuncture, Nature Neuroscience, May 2010, published online doi:10.1038/nn.2562. Study Results Show Role of Adenosine The results showed that adult mice exhibited reduced pain response when adenosine levels increased and adenosine A1 receptors were activated. This was established by measuring local adenosine levels both prior to and during acupuncture. This measurement determined that adenosine levels increased during acupuncture treatments. Researchers then performed acupuncture on mice lacking A1 receptors to determine if A1 receptor expression was necessary for acupuncture to be effective. Results showed that acupuncture was not effective in mice lacking A1 receptors. As such, researchers concluded that adenosine and A1 receptor expression are essential components in the process by which acupuncture effects pain perception. The researchers hypothesized that inhibition of the degradation of adenosine might enhance the anti-nociceptive effects of acupuncture. While adenosine is by no means the only neuro-chemical involved in the process by which acupuncture has an effect, this research shows that it plays a critical role in the process by which acupuncture effects pain sensation. For further information regarding acupuncture or to make an appointment, please call Elizabeth at 917.968.2854. West Village Acupuncture
4 Milligan Place
Suite 1F
New York, N.Y. 10011
6th Ave btwn 10th & 11th
917.968.2854
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