OBJECTIVETo observe effects of acupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and non-channel-non-acupoint on expression of connexion 43 in the rat, so as to probe into possible relationship between the acupoint and connexion 43 (Cx43).

METHODSTwenty healthy SD rats were randomly divided into a non-acupuncture group and an acupuncture group, 10 rats in each group. Quantity and distribution of Cx43 on skin tissue of "Zusanli" and non-channel-non-acupoint were detected by immunohistochemistry with a fluorescence double-label technique and laser scanning confocal microscope.

RESULTSCx43 was mainly expressed in epidermis, hair follicles and other epithelial keratinocytes; the expression of Cx43 in the acupoint was significantly higher than that at the non-channel-non-acupoint in the non-acupuncture group (P<0.01); after acupuncture at acupoint expression of Cx43 in the acupuncture group significantly increased, with a very significant difference as compared with that in the acupoint in the non-acupuncture group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONConnexion 43 and gap junctions in acupoint are possibly the main components of acupoints, and acupuncture can significantly increase expression of connexion 43 in acupoints.