Mast cell distribution around the needle tract following acupuncture in Zusanli (ST36) acupoint in rats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate mast cell (MCs) distribution in the vicinity of the needle tract formed after acupuncture in Zusanli (ST36) acupoint in rats. MCs were detected by histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy, and evaluated quantitatively. It was established that after acupuncture in ST36 acupoint the integrity of the epithelium, dermis, subcutane-ous connective tissue, fascia, epimysium and striated muscles was disrupted and folded to the direc-tion of the needle tract. In the thickened connective tissue MCs were observed close to the needle tract, without visible differences in their number along the tract, but most of them were with signs of degranulation, possibly due to acupuncture. It could be presumed that acupuncture in ST36 caused recruitment and activation of MCs followed by degranulation which most probably influenced the local microenvironment.

Keywords

• acupuncture
• degranulation
• mast cells
• needle tract
• Zusanli (ST36)