Sympathetic-sensory coupling in the dorsal root ganglion is involved in acupoint sensitization and amplifies acupuncture effect in visceral diseases
Initially,in a neuropathic pain model,the abnormal sprouting of sympathetic nerve endings in the dorsal root ganglion(DRG)was observed.The sprouted sympathetic nerve endings surround DRG neurons,forming a"basket-like structure",known as sympathetic-sensory coupling,which can activate sensory neurons and lead to the occurrence of pain.Recently,it has been noted that visceral pathologies such as myocardial ischemia give rise to sympathetic-sensory coupling between the DRG and corresponding sympathetic ganglion,often leading to cardiac sympathetic hyperfunction.Our prior research has demonstrated that visceral diseases can cause hyperalgesia or referred pain on the body surface and participate in acupoint sensitization.The sympathetic nervous system plays a pivotal role in these pathological processes,either by developing aberrant sympathetic function or by influencing afferent nerve activity.Moreover,acupuncture at sensitized points enhances the biological effects of these acupoints.The present article aims to explore the intricacies of sympathetic-sensory coupling and acupoint sensitization,and whether acupuncture can regulate visceral diseases via this coupling mechanism.
万方数据
维普
