Antagonism of bicuculline on the inhibitory effect of emitted qi on spontaneous unit activites of cerebellar neurons

We have reported that the emitted qi with different 'will' can remarkably modulate the spontaneous unit activities of cerebellar neurons of rats. One of the remarkable characteristics of this modulation is that it takes a longer period to change the frequency o spontaneous unit activities and this modulation process lasts for a quite long time after the emitted qi is stopped. This might suggest that the emitted qi modulates the neuronal activities via changing humoral agents in the body. In order to investigate if the major inhibitory transmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), in the mammalian central nervous system is involved in the inhibitory effect of emitted qi on spontaneous unit activities of cerebellar neurons, the antagonist of GABAergic receptor, bicuculline, was used microiotophoretically.

Experiments were performed on 13 adult male Wistar rats anesthetized with urethane (lg/kg). Firstly, spontaneous unit activities of cerebellar neurons were recorded with multibarred electrode for a period of time, Then, bicuculline was ejected to observe its effect on the neuron sample. After this, qigong master with 'inhibitory will' in his mind gave off emitted qi at a distance of 0.5-1 meter from the animal. Next, when spontaneous unit activities were significantly inhibited by the emitted qi, bicuculline was injected again to study its effect on the inhibition of emitted qi. The recorded unit activities were analyzed by an Apple II microcomputer.

1. Effects of bicuculline on spontaneous unit activities of cerebellar neurons

Twenty two neuronal units were tested in this group. The changed rate of the mean interspike intervals (ISI) after ejecting was 98.55+-8.18% (Mean+-S.E) It was suggested that bicuculline can slightly increase the frequency of spontaneous unit activities, but the difference of discharge frequencies between before and after ejecting bicuculline was not significant). (P>0.05).

2. Effects of bicuculline on inhibition of emitted qi on spontaneous unit activities

Sixteen neuronal units were tested in this group. Frequency of spontaneous unit activities in all units was significantly decreased by 'inhibitory emitted qi' with a changed rate of the mean ISI of 882.37+-369.53% (P<0.05). Ten out of 16 neuronal units had a changed rate of mean ISI of 46.82+-8.02% when bicuculline was ejected electrophoretically on the inhibitory background of emitted qi. The difference between before and after the ejecting was very significant (P<0.01). According to the blockade action of bicuculline on the inhibitory effect of emitted qi, it was reasonably considered that the inhibition of emitted qi on the spontaneous unit activities of cerebellar neurons was associated wit the enhanced GABAergic inhibition and an increase activation of GABA receptors in the brain. However, comparing with the changed rate of mean ISI before emitted qi, the changed rate of mean ISI after the ejecting was 255.44+-73.28%, in other words, bicuculline can't block the inhibition of emitted qi completely. In addition, there were 6 neuronal units with changed rate of mean ISI of 95+-2.99% after the ejecting. This also suggests that bicuculline can't block the inhibitory effect of emitted qi on same cerebellar neurons (P>0.05). So, it is possible that emitted qi suppresses spontaneous unit activities of cerebellar neurons by means of other inhibitory transmitters besides GABA.

It is concluded that endogenous GABA summarily might be involved in the inhibitory effect of emitted qi on spontaneous unit activities of cerebellar neurons. But, the mechanism of inhibition of emitted qi is complex, which might include other inhibitory humoral agents.