| Evidence Sentence: |
Plasma concentrations of vasoactive neurotransmitters were determined using rat-specific ELISA kits from jugular vein, including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), nitric oxide (NO), and endothelin-1 (ET-1). |
| Evidence Sentence: |
EA Reduced Plasma Concentrations of VIP and PACAP |
| Evidence Sentence: |
To evaluate the effects of EA at GB20+GB34, GB20, and GB34 on parasympathetic nerve activation in our rat model, we assessed plasma levels of VIP and PACAP release from parasympathetic nerves. |
| Evidence Sentence: |
Our ELISA results indicated that the Model group had significantly elevated plasma levels of VIP (Figure 4(c)) and PACAP (Figure 4(d)), relative to those observed in the Sham group. |
| Evidence Sentence: |
However, the EA-treated (GB20+GB34, GB20, GB34) groups exhibited significantly reduced plasma VIP and PACAP levels, relative to those observed in the Model group. |
| Evidence Sentence: |
No significant difference in the reduction of plasma VIP concentration were observed between the GB20 (P<0.01) and GB20+GB34 (P<0.01) groups. |
| Evidence Sentence: |
And, the reductions in VIP and PACAP levels were greater in the GB20+GB34 group than in the GB34 group (P<0.01). |
| Evidence Sentence: |
No significant difference in the VIP or PACAP level was identified between the Model and Non-Acu groups. |
| Evidence Sentence: |
Furthermore, plasma VIP levels were lower in the GB20+GB34 (P<0.01), GB20 (P<0.01), and GB34 (P<0.01) groups than in the Non-Acu group. |
| Evidence Sentence: |
Acupuncture Attenuated the DES-Induced Reductions in Dural CGRP and VIP Expression |
| Evidence Sentence: |
To determine whether EA influences the expression of vasoactive neurotransmitters in the dura mater, we performed immunofluorescence analyses of CGRP and VIP expression. |
| Evidence Sentence: |
The expression levels of CGRP and VIP were significantly elevated in Model than that of Sham group (P<0.001 for both; Figure 5). |
| Evidence Sentence: |
The CGRP level in the GB20+GB34 and GB20 groups, but not the GB34 group, was significantly reduced relative to that in the Model group, while only the GB20+GB34 group showed significant reductions in the VIP level relative to that in the Model group (P<0.05; Figure 5). |
| Evidence Sentence: |
No significant differences in CGRP or VIP expression were observed between the Model and Non-Acu groups (P>0.05; Figures 5(b) and 5(d)), or between the GB20+GB34 and GB20 groups (P>0.05; Figures 5(b) and 5(d)). |