Abstract: ObjectiveTo discuss the central modulating mechanisms while acupuncturing the Stomach 36[ST₃₆(Zusanli)]by brain functional imaging with positron emission tomography (PET).MethodsPET imaging of whole brain was performed in a group of six healthy subjects during two stimulation paradigms: pseudo acupuncture and real acupuncture at acupoint ST₃₆(Zusanli). The data on cerebral glycometabolism,obtained by using PET,was analyzed by using statistical parametric mapping (SPM).ResultsThere was certain increase of glycometabolism in ipsilateral hypothalamus,back of medulla oblongata;bilateral insular lobe; contralateral paracentral lobule,superior part of precentral and postcentral gyrus,opercular part of frontal and temporal lobe,middle part of cingulate gyrus,head of caudate nucleus,middle part of the back of midbrain and pons,and deep part of cerebellum,whereas decrease in ipsilateral superior part of precentral and postcentral gyrus and lateral part of ipsilateral anterior cerebellar lobe,while acupuncturing at acupoint ST₃₆(Zusanli on the right leg).ConclusionsThe central modulating mechanisms of acupuncturing ST₃₆ are realized by neural and neuroendocrine network modulation mechanisms of vegetative nerve center in cortex and subcortex.

Key words: acupuncture, ST₃₆, positron emission tomography(PET), brain