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Frequency-specific responses of human brain to peripheral transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Jin Zhen, Zhang Weiting, Luo Fei, Zhang Kuiling, Zhang Lei, Zeng Yawei, Han Jisheng

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit,Hospital 306.Beijing 100101；China

Abstract

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the responses of human brain to transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) at different frequencies by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) examinations covering the whole brain of eleven healthy volunteers. Each subject received TENS at acupoints ST36 and SP6 of the left leg at the frequencies of 2 and 100 Hz. Frequency-specific responses were found in motor-related areas, thalamus, limbic system and associated cortex to stimulation of the two frequencies, while the primary somatosensory areas were activated by both. Therefore, it appears that 2 and 100 Hz TENS act through different neuro-pathways in the central nervous system.

Key words: fMRI;Neuroi waging;Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation;Acupuncture;Analgesia

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Citing This Article：

Jin Zhen, Zhang Weiting, Luo Fei, Zhang Kuiling, Zhang Lei, Zeng Yawei, Han Jisheng. Frequency-specific responses of human brain to peripheral transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Acta Physiol Sin 2001; 53 (4): (in Chinese with English abstract).