Acupuncture Alters Expression of Insulin Signaling Related Molecules and Improves Insulin Resistance in OLETF Rats

Figure 1

Schematic diagram indicates the four selected acupoints: Neiguan (PC6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Shenshu (BL23), and Zusanli (ST36); these points correspond to equivalent acupoints in humans. Neiguan: located at medialis forelimbs between the radius and ulna, approximately 3 mm from the wrist to the elbow. Regional anatomy: between the deep flexor digitorum, where median nerve and median artery and vein travel through. Zusanli: located at the posterolateral knee of hind limbs, about 5 mm below the fibular head. Regional anatomy: between the m. anterior tibialis and m. extensor digitorum longus, where peroneal muscles, peroneal nerve, and anterior tibial artery and vein travel through. Sanyinjiao: located at the medial side of the hind leg, 10 mm directly above the tip of the medial malleolus. Regional anatomy: where the flexor digitorum profundus muscle, tibial nerve, and posterior tibial artery and vein travel through. Shenshu: located in the lumbar region, at the same level as the inferior border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (L2). Regional anatomy: where the fascia lumbodorsalis, m. longissimus and m. iliocostalis, hip lumbar artery, lumbar vein, and spinal nerve travel through.