Revealing Mast Cell as The Primary Biological Transducers in Acupuncture Effect

Abstract

Acupuncture has been used for millennia to treat various ailments, yet its biological basis remained elusive until the discovery of the "neuro-immune-endocrine" network. Central to this network is the mast cell (MC). Research indicates that acupoints (meridian points) are characterized by a significantly higher density of mast cells compared to non-acupoint areas. When an acupuncture needle is inserted and manipulated—specifically through lifting, thrusting, or rotation—it creates a mechanical pull on the surrounding connective tissue. This mechanical stress is converted into biochemical signals via a process known as mechanotransduction. Mast cells at the acupoint act as biosensors, detecting this tension through transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. This triggers degranulation, the process by which MCs release a cocktail of bioactive mediators, including histamine, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), tryptase, and cytokines. These mediators subsequently activate local nerve endings (C-fibers) and increase local blood flow, initiating a signaling cascade that reaches the central nervous system to modulate pain and systemic inflammation. This summary explores the specific pathways of MC activation, the chemical nature of their degranulation, and their indispensable role in the "acupuncture effect." In this article, we provide a rigorous scientific framework for the crucial role of mast cell in acupuncture benefits.