OBJECTIVETo study the different effect of needling at different meridian points (MP) on different cerebral functional regions by using positron emission tomography and cerebral function tracer 18F-fluorodeoxy glucose to observe the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) stimulation at Yin MP or Yang MP on local cerebral glucose metabolism in 30 healthy volunteers.

METHODSThe thirty subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups, the 12 subjects in the Yang MP group treated by needling at Hegu (LI4), Quchi (LI11), Zusanli (St36) and Shangjuxu (St37), the 18 subjects in the Yin MP group treated by needling at Neiguan (Pc6), Chize (Lu5), Sanyinjiao (Sp6) and Yinlingquan (Sp9). All the needling was conducted at one side of body.

RESULTSAfter needling at Yang MP, the cerebral glucose metabolism was elevated in bilateral cross region of frontal lobe and temporal lobe, parietal lobe, thalamus and basal ganglia, and in contralateral cerebellum and hippocampus. After needling at Yin MP, the cerebral glucose metabolism was lowered in bilateral cross region of frontal and temporal lobe, contralateral temporal lobe, cerebellum and thalamus, and was elevated in homolateral hippocampus and caudate nucleus.

CONCLUSIONUnder physiological condition, the regulatory effects of acupuncture on central nervous system would be different when needling at different MP.