Journal de cytologie et d'histologie

Does the Acupuncture Point Shaoshang (Lu11) in Humans Match with an Increased Density of Connexines?

Abstract

Ines Pilz-Klement and Christian-Albrecht May

Acupuncture points are clinically described by their localization and sensation measuring skin resistance. As a morphological correlate, gap junctions and connexines (Cx) were postulated but up to now only few animal studies tried to identify these structures histologically. Immunohistochemical staining of acupuncture point Lu11 of 4 human donors (76-81 years of age) were stained with antibodies against Cx 26, 30, 32 and 43. A densitometric evaluation was performed using analySIS Software 3.2 (Olympus). In the region of the acupuncture point Lu11 the density of Cx 26 and Cx 43 was increased. This increase was not restricted to the epidermal layers but also included the dermis and subcutis. Our findings give evidence that there are persistent regions of increased Cx density in the human skin. They provide a morphological base for fast alterations in electrical skin resistance dependent on the functional stage of the Cxs by forming either gap junctions or hemi-channels.