OBJECTIVE: To observe changes of the partial oxygen pressure (PO2) of deep tissues along the Governor Vessel and during acupuncture, so as to probe into the characteristics of energy metabolism in the deep tissues along the meridian track. METHODS: Thirty-one healthy volunteers were enrolled in the present study. PO2 values in Zhongshu (GV 7), Zhiyang (GV 9) and Mingmen (GV 4) of the Governor Vessel, and 2 non-acupoints (below the 4th and the 12th vertebrae respectively) were detected by using a three-channels needle-type sensor inserted into the tissues about 1.5 cm deep under the skin. The detection was conducted continuously for 60 minutes before, during and after electroacupuncture (EA, 2 Hz, 20 min) stimulation of Yaoyangguan (GV 3). RESULTS: At normal state (before EA), PO2 values were (10.98 +/- 5.81) kPa in Governor Vessel (GV 4, GV 7 and GV 9), being significantly higher than those [(5.00 +/- 3.88) kPa, (4.74 +/- 4.23) kPa] of the left and the right control points separately. During acupuncture of GV3, PO2 value [(9.36 +/- 5.99) kPa] in Governor Vessel decreased significantly in comparison with that of pre-EA; while those [(5.83 +/- 4.75) kPa and (5.58 +/- 15.28) kPa] in the left and the right control points had no obvious changes (P>0.05). And after acupuncture, the reading of PO2 was (8.62 +/- 5.11) kPa along the Governor Vessel being comparable to that of EA-period, and those [(5.74 +/- 4.76) kPa and (5.61 +/- 5.45) kPa] in the left and the right control points still had no obvious changes. CONCLUSION: PO2 in the deep tissues along the Governor Vessel is significantly higher than those of its bilateral control points, and decreases during and after EA, displaying a more vigorous energy metabolism in the deep tissues along the Governor Vessel in normal state, and up-regulation after EA.

[Effect of acupuncture on partial oxygen pressure of deep tissue along the Governor Vessel in 31 normal volunteer subjects]