Increased cerebral blood flow following L110 acupuncture in healthy volunteers observed with 99mTc-ethyl cysteine dimer single-photon emission computed tomography

Background: Ischemic stroke is the second most common cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide. Acupuncture is frequently advocated as an alternative treatment during stroke rehabilitation. Aim: The purpose of this study was to measure regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) following acupuncture at LI-10 Shousanli in healthy volunteers using 99mTc-ethyl cysteine dimer (99mTc-ECD) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Methods: Fourteen healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. A baseline brain SPECT was taken, and 3 months later, acupuncture was performed at LI-10 for 20 min, followed by a second SPECT. Statistical parametric mapping was used to analyze the changes in rCBF before and after acupuncture through a paired t-test. Results: Perfusion increased in the caudate, thalamus, hippocampus, and precuneus (P < 0.05) regions after acupuncture at LI-10 compared to baseline and decreased rCBF was observed in the frontal cortex, occipital cortex, and parietal regions compared to baseline. Differences between baseline and postacupuncture (PA) perfusion levels showed were highest in the hippocampus region, followed by the striatum, thalamus, and cerebellum regions. Conclusion: 99mTC-ECD SPECT revealed significant increases in rCBF for specific region PA at LI-10. These results provide reference control group data for future longitudinal studies of stroke patients receiving acupuncture therapy as an alternative treatment to improve motor function and aid intensive rehabilitation.