Effect of Scolopendrid Calculus Bovis-Fel Uris- Moschus Bee Venom and Sweet Bee Venom on Regional Cerebral Blood Flow after Pharmacopuncture to GV16 Pungbu and GB20 Pungji in Rat

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate the effect of four pharmacopuncture drugs (scolopendrid, Calculus Bovis-Fel Uris-Moschus (BUM), bee venom 25%, and sweet bee venom 10%) on the cerebral hemodynamics, including changes in the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and in the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP). METHODS: The changes in the rCBF and the MABP were determined by using a laser-Doppler flowmeter and a pressure transducer, respectively. RESULTS: Scolopendrid (0.3 ml, 1 ml/kg) caused no significant changes in the rCBF and the MABP, whereas BUM (0.3 ml, 1 ml/kg) decreased the rCBF and the MABP, bee venom 25% (0.3 ml, 1 ml/kg) increased the rCBF and lowered the MABP, and sweet bee venom 10% (0.3 ml, 1 ml/kg) increased the rCBF and had no significant effect on the MABP. CONCLUSIONS: The rCBF and the MABP were influenced differently by the administration of various pharmacopunctures. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism.