Research on Mechanism of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on RN4 in Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Men
Guanyuan(RN4)is one of the most extensively studied acupoints in the field of urogenital system and is also one of the most frequently used acupoints in treatment of erectile dysfunction.After needling RN4,biological signals are transmitted through somatic-autonomic reflexes and synaptic-like connections between nerve cells,regulating smooth muscle cells and vascular endothelial cells,causing dilation of penile blood vessels,increased blood flow,and engorge and enlarge penile corpus cavernosum.Furthermore,nerve impulses are further transmitted along spinal cord and brain levels to enhance central excitability.Acupuncture and moxibustion regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis,promotes the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone,luteinizing hormone,and sex hormones to regulate sexual dysfunction.It can also improve anxiety and depression by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.In addition,it can enhance pelvic floor muscle strength,improve pelvic floor muscle proprioception,and improve erectile function.However,the molecular biology mechanisms related to the stimulating effect of needling RN4 on male erectile function remain to be further elucidated.
Erectile dysfunctionRN4Somatic-autonomic reflexPenile corpus cavernosum artery
万方数据
维普
