Acupuncture effects on cardiac functions measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in a feline model

Jen Hsou Lin, Chen Haw Shih, Krishna Kaphle, Leang Shin Wu, Weng Yih Tseng, Jen Hwey Chiu, Tzu Chi Lee, Ying Ling Wu*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The usefulness of acupuncture (AP) as a complementary and/or alternative therapy in animals is well established but more research is needed on its clinical efficacy relative to conventional therapy, and on the underlying mechanisms of the effects of AP. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), an important tool in monitoring cardiovascular diseases, provides a reliable method to monitor the effects of AP on the cardiovascular system. This controlled experiment monitored the effect electro-acupuncture (EA) at bilateral acupoint Neiguan (PC6) on recovery time after ketamine/xylazine cocktail anesthesia in healthy cats. The CMRI data established the basic feline cardiac function index (CFI), including cardiac output and major vessel velocity. To evaluate the effect of EA on the functions of the autonomic nervous and cardiovascular systems, heart rate, respiration rate, electrocardiogram and pulse rate were also measured. Ketamine/xylazine cocktail anesthesia caused a transient hypertension in the cats; EA inhibited this anesthetic-induced hypertension and shortened the post-anesthesia recovery time. Our data support existing knowledge on the cardiovascular benefits of EA at PC6, and also provide strong evidence for the combination of anesthesia and EA to shorten post-anesthesia recovery time and counter the negative effects of anesthetics on cardiac physiology.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)169-176
Number of pages8
JournalEvidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Volume7
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010 Jun
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acupoint
  • Anesthesia
  • CFI
  • CMRI
  • Cats
  • Electro-acupuncture (EA)
  • Neiguan
  • PC6

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Complementary and alternative medicine

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