Neural Acupuncture Unit: A New Concept for Interpreting Effects and Mechanisms of Acupuncture

Figure 2

Schematic illustration of major nonneuronal neuroactive mediators and their corresponding receptors involved in the modulation of NAU afferent impulses. Molecules in red, green, and violet color represent stimulatory, inhibitory, and both effects on afferent fiber excitability, respectively. Autoreceptors to be identified are indicated with question symbols (?). A₁, adenosine A₁ receptor; ACh, acetylcholine; Auto-R, autoreceptor; B_1/2, bradykinin receptors 1 and 2; BK, bradykinin; CGRP, calcitonin-gene-related peptide; β-END, β-endorphin; EP, prostaglandin E receptor; GABA, γ-aminobutyric acid; Glu, glutamate; H₁/H₂, histamine H₁/H₂ receptors; His, histamine; 5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine; IL, interleukin; M₂, muscarinic M₂ receptor; NA, noradrenaline; NO, nitric oxide; PG, prostaglandins; P2X/P2Y, purinergic receptors P2X and P2Y; -R, adrenoceptor; SP, substance P; SS, somatostatin; SSR, somatostatin receptor; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α.