大脑皮层是否参与疼痛的感受长期以来是一个争议的问题

但近年来记录皮层发诱电位和单个神经元活动的方法已证明伤害感受性信息可以达到皮层体感区(SⅠ1. The effect of electro acupuncture (EA) on the responses of single SI cortical nociceptive neurons to peripheral natural stimuli were observed in unanesthetized and paralyzed rats. 2. After EA

the responses to noxious mechanical and/or thermal stimulation reduced markedly in 14 (70%) out of 20 neurons tested

and slightly increased or unchanged in the remaining 6 neurons

as compared to the responses before EA. 3. In contrast to the variation of nociceptive responses

the responses to innocuous mechanical stimulation increased in 9 neurons and unchanged in other 9 neurons

while deceased in only 2 neurons. 4. A small portion of the neurons were activated by EA stimulation

while their responses to noxious stimulation were inhibited. 5. It is considered that the selective inhibition of the nociceptive responses of SI cortical neurons might be a part of the mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia.