Effects of Electroacupuncture on N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor-Related Signaling Pathway in the Spinal Cord of Normal Rats

Figure 7

Proposed schematic diagram for of EA-induced analgesia in normal rats. Peripheral stimulation by EA induces glutamate release in the spinal cord dorsal horn this neurotransmitter activates NMDAR. Appropriate influx of calcium via activated NMDAR leads to the phosphorylation of the PI3K and CREB cascade, especially PI3K, manifesting as analgesia. The dotted line denotes where further study is needed to clarify an interaction between PI3K and EA analgesia in normal rats.