From Peripheral to Central: The Role of ERK Signaling Pathway in Acupuncture Analgesia

Despite accumulating evidence of the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture, its mechanism remains largely unclear. We assume that molecular signaling around the acupuncture needled area is essential for initiating the effect of acupuncture. To determine possible bio-candidates involved in the mechanisms of acupuncture and investigate the role of such bio-candidates in the analgesic effects of acupuncture, we conducted 2 stepwise experiments. First, a genome-wide microarray of the isolated skin layer at the GB34-equivalent acupoint of C57BL/6 mice 1 hour after acupuncture found that a total of 236 genes had changed and that extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) activation was the most prominent bio-candidate. Second, in mouse pain models using formalin and complete Freund adjuvant, we found that acupuncture attenuated the nociceptive behavior and the mechanical allodynia; these effects were blocked when ERK cascade was interrupted by the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor U0126 (.8 μg/μL). Based on these results, we suggest that ERK phosphorylation following acupuncture needling is a biochemical hallmark initiating the effect of acupuncture including analgesia

From Peripheral to Central: The Role of ERK Signaling Pathway in Acupuncture Analgesia

Despite accumulating evidence of the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture, its mechanism remains largely unclear. We assume that molecular signaling around the acupuncture needled area is essential for initiating the effect of acupuncture. To determine possible bio-candidates involved in the mechanisms of acupuncture and investigate the role of such bio-candidates in the analgesic effects of acupuncture, we conducted 2 stepwise experiments. First, a genome-wide microarray of the isolated skin layer at the GB34-equivalent acupoint of C57BL/6 mice 1 hour after acupuncture found that a total of 236 genes had changed and that extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) activation was the most prominent bio-candidate. Second, in mouse pain models using formalin and complete Freund adjuvant, we found that acupuncture attenuated the nociceptive behavior and the mechanical allodynia; these effects were blocked when ERK cascade was interrupted by the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor U0126 (.8 μg/μL). Based on these results, we suggest that ERK phosphorylation following acupuncture needling is a biochemical hallmark initiating the effect of acupuncture including analgesia. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the novel evidence of the local molecular signaling in acupuncture analgesia by demonstrating that ERK activation in the skin layer contributes to the analgesic effect of acupuncture in a mouse pain model. This work improves our understanding of the scientific basis underlying acupuncture analgesia

Minor cultures as hosts for vectors of extensive crop diseases: Does Salvia sclarea act as a pathogen and vector reservoir for lavender decline?

Stolbur is a phytoplasma disease affecting crops worldwide. The planthopper Hyalesthes obsoletus is the main natural vector of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ responsible of stolbur. In France, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia) are strongly affected by this phytoplasma. These plant species are both hosts for the phytoplasma and its insect vector. In 2011, catches of adults were exceptionally sizable on one of the clones of lavandin most tolerant to lavender decline. A high population level of ‘Ca. P. solani’ vector was also observed on the adjacent plot of clary sage, Salvia sclarea. In order to clarify the potential role of S. sclarea as a host plant for H. obsoletus and ‘Ca. P. solani,’ we conducted field surveys and laboratory experiments. The uprooting of clary sage and root examination showed the presence of nymphs during winter. Harvested nymphs have been reared on S. sclarea from seedlings in a greenhouse for many generations. By performing its whole lifecycle on clary sage, we demonstrated for the first time that S. sclarea is a host plant of H. obsoletus and could be a source of stolbur vector. Nevertheless, status of clary sage as host plant of phytoplasma in the field up to now is not so clear. On 42 Q-PCR runs done on S. sclarea, 41 were negative to the phytoplasma, and one positive. Experimental transmission with infected H. obsoletus sampled on infected lavender showed that clary sage plant could be infected, expressed symptoms and multiplied ‘Ca. P. solani.