Acupoints [corrected] and meridians: a histochemical study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between the structural specificities of acupoints and meridians as well as their clinical effects. We processed 356 specimens, 287 of which from 48 adult and 2 newborn cadavers and the remaining 69 from living patients; samples were taken at three different levels: (1) beneath acupoints; (2) between meridians; (3) at a distance from meridians. We performed seven different staining to show the distribution of collagen fibers, reticular fibers, mucopolysaccharides (MPS), connective tissue, nerve threads, and blood vessels in specimens obtained from different areas. We found that some structural and biochemical discrepancies associated with acupoints and meridians including: (1) mucopolysaccharides (MPS), in particular acid MPS; (2) collagen fibers; (3) nerve endings. We discussed these findings from an anatomo-clinical point of view.