[Decoding acupuncture's modulation effects on intracerebral neural circuits through tri-dimensional perspectives: brain region activation, functional connectivity, and synaptic transmission].

Abstract

An increasing number of studies indicate that the modulation effect of acupuncture on intracerebral neural circuits is a crucial pathway through which acupuncture exerts its therapeutic effects. Among these, brain region activation, functional connectivity, and synaptic transmission collectively form the three dimensions of acupuncture modulation of neural circuits. Brain region activation reflects the activity state of key nodes in neural circuits, functional connectivity focuses on the intensity and patterns of information exchange within neural circuits, and snaptic transmission examines molecular-level changes during signal projection in neural circuits. To systematically elucidate the mechanisms of acupuncture, this paper first analyzed the impact of acupuncture on these three dimensions using commonly used points such as Quchi (LI11) as examples. Then, it explored the multi-dimensional regulatory effects of acupuncture on neural circuits related to clinically advantageous conditions like pain, mood disorders, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Finally, it proposed issues and potential solutions for the multi-dimensional analysis of acupuncture-related neural circuits, aiming to provide insights for advancing research on acupuncture mechanisms and guiding further precision treatment.