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Mast cell-derived exosomes at the stimulated acupoints activating the neuro-immune regulation

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Abstract

Exosomes are cell-derived vesicles that take part in intercellular signaling. Research has shown that acupuncture is closely related to affecting the functions of the mast cells in the local region of the acupoint, and stimulating the afferent nerve. Mast cells have a connection with the conduction within the meridians, and play an important role in immuno-regulation. The ‘synapse-like’ connection between the mast cells and nerve endings is the basis for the exchange of information between these two tissues. Exosome mediates mast exchange of information between mast cells and the nerves, starting the process of neuro-immuno regulation. Therefore, we propose that mast cell-derived exosomes mediate the neuro-immuno regulation at the local site of acupuncture, and this is one of the key factors resulting in the effectiveness of acupuncture.

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Acknowledgment

Give many thanks to Prof. Sophie who provided a reference figure. Thanks to Calista for translation and proofreading.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China

    Bo Chen, Yi Guo, Xue Zhao & Hui-min Calista Lim

  2. Department of Clinical Practice Teaching, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China

    Ming-yue Li

Authors
  1. Bo Chen
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  2. Ming-yue Li
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  3. Yi Guo
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  4. Xue Zhao
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  5. Hui-min Calista Lim
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ming-yue Li.

Additional information

Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81403457 and No. 81330088)

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Chen, B., Li, My., Guo, Y. et al. Mast cell-derived exosomes at the stimulated acupoints activating the neuro-immune regulation. Chin. J. Integr. Med. 23, 878–880 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-016-2269-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-016-2269-8

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