This study investigated the neurological mechanism that mediates the deactivation of the medial prefrontal cortex induced by acupuncture. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations before and immediately after acupuncture stimulation in healthy volunteers were assessed with MEGA-PRESS 1H-MRS. We found that GABA concentrations in the medial prefrontal cortex decreased significantly after acupuncture stimulation compared with control stimulation with Von Frey sensory. Analysis of the task-functional magnetic resonance image (fMRI) acquired during acupuncture showed deactivation in the same area. These results demonstrated that the decreased blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) response induced by acupuncture was associated with inhibitory effects.
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