我们在以往工作中观察到针刺体表穴位的传入信息及内脏伤害信息均投射到延脑内侧网状巨细胞核

并发生会聚

两种信号相互作用的结果

多数情况下表现为伤害性反应受到压抑。实验结果表明延脑网状巨细胞核参与针刺抑制內脏痛过程中的整合作用。为了进一步了解针刺诱导对该核团神经元机能状态的影响

及其与针刺镇痛的关In order to determine the effect of acupuncture on the neuronal excitability in RGC and its relation to acupuncture analgesia

a Ichronic microelectrode method was used to study the change of neuronal discharge by acupuncture in RGC. In 48 out of 52 neurones

the change of spontaneous firing rate induced by acupuncture was significant. The change of firing rate manifested mainly in three patterns; 1). a decrease in firing rate (by 50-90%)

19 neurones; 2 ). an increase in firng rate ( up to 500%)

10 neurones; 3 ) an increase followed by a decrease in firing rate about 3 minutes later

10 neurones. Most of the above neurones accept not only visceral nociceptive signals but also acupuncture signals. It might be considered as the neurological foundation of integration in acupuncture analgesia. It is supposed that the decrease of the neuronal excitability is helpful to depress the transmission of nociceptive information to higher centre. Most neurones with the increase of spontaneous firing rate were located in ventral part of RGC. It is inferred that RGC may take part not only in integration but also in modulation in acupuncture analgesia.