A cutting-edge microscope has allowed scientists to capture in real time how electroacupuncture directs the movement of immune cells inside living mice, offering a direct window into the biological mechanisms behind the ancient therapy.
The high-resolution mesoscale microscope called RUSH3D-HR was used to observe how thousands of immune cells swarmed to sites of induced inflammation in the mouse spleen.
When electroacupuncture was applied to a specific acupoint below the knee, the cellular stampede was visibly suppressed, providing vivid, real-time evidence of acupuncture’s anti-inflammatory power.
The system could allow scientists to study complex biological processes in live animals over long periods with less tissue damage than previous methods, helping boost understanding of immune response, disease progression and potential treatments.
The team published its findings in a paper in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Biotechnology on July 15.
