Intradermal Alcian-Blue Injection Method to Trace Acupuncture Meridians
Objective : In this article, we report on the intradermal Alcian blue staining method for tracing the meridians of acupuncture. Methods : 1% Alcian blue solution was injected into acupoints by using a 0.5mL insulin syringe with a 31-gauge needle, then the skin was incised and was observed under a s...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute
2008-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Pharmacopuncture |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2008.11.2.005 |
| Summary: | Objective : In this article, we report on the intradermal Alcian blue staining method for tracing the meridians of acupuncture.
Methods : 1% Alcian blue solution was injected into acupoints by using a 0.5mL insulin syringe with a 31-gauge needle, then the skin was incised and was observed under a stereoscopic microscope. The specimens were examined by using immunohistochemical methods and were observed under a confocal laser scanning microscope.
Results : A threadlike structure, which was visualized with Alcian blue, existed in dermis layer and proceeded to hypodermis. In this structure, characteristic alignments of rod- shaped nuclei and 1-2μm sized DNA granules were observed. Furthermore, abundant blood capillary plexuses, peripheral nerve endings, and a corpusclelike structure(about 300μm in diameter) were visualized in the skin tissues of acupoints.
Conclusion : It was concluded that the specific threadlike and corpuscle-like structures corresponded to superficial Bonghan
duct and corpuscle, respectively. |
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| ISSN: | 2093-6966 2234-6856 |