Comparison of the neurovascular microstructure in local skin tissues at 'PC3' 'PC7' and 'PC9' regions in the rat 大鼠'曲泽','大陵'和'中冲'穴区之间神经血管显微结构的比较

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the microstructure of blood vessels and nerve fibers between different acupoints in the rat skin from the perspective of histology. Methods The skin tissue at “Qūze” (曲泽 PC3)” “Daling (大陵 PC7)” and “Zhōngchōng (中冲 PC9)” regions was taken from the rat forelimb along the pericardium meridian, and cut sagittally with a freezing microtome. After that, the skin sections were stained by fluorescent histochemistry and immunohistochemistry with phalloidin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) to reveal the microstructure of blood vessels and nerve fibers respectively, and then examined under a laser scanning confocal microscope. Results The microstructure of blood vessels and nerve fibers was clearly labeled with phalloidin and CGRP, respectively. The blood vessels and nerve fibers were observed in the dermis of “PC3” “PC7” and “PC9” regions, where the bundle of nerve fibers distribute in parallel to the blood vessels, and sent out thin branches to surround the wall of the blood vessels. In contrast, the density of blood vessels and nerve fibers in “PC3” “PC7” and “PC9” were presented orderly in an increased tendency. Conclusion The results of present study demonstrate the differences of the neurovascular microstructure among “PC3” “PC7” and “PC9” in the rat, providing a histological view to insight into the specificity of different acupoints.