Ptgs2+ Telocytes Mediate M2 Macrophages for Anti-Inflammatory Effects Following Acupuncture in the Abdominal Midline Fascia of Dysenteric Rats

This study identified a subpopulation of CPTCs capable of responding to mechanical stimulus, with significant clinical implications for elucidating the cytological effects of acupuncture. Central to the response to acupuncture stimulus are Ptgs+ TCs, which form focal adhesion with all CPTC subpopulations and activate M2 macrophage through Il6-Il6st-Stat3. Thus, we conclude that Ptgs2+TCs is the fundamental essence of meridians. Overall design: To explore the cytological mechanisms behind the skin's reaction to acupuncture, dysentery was induced in rats using Salmonella, followed by acupuncture treatment. Single-cell sequencing was performed on the abdominal midline fascia, the acupoints, in both dysentery and acupuncture-treated rats. Fascia_CT represents dysentery rat samples, while Fascia_AC represents samples from rats after acupuncture treatment. Our analysis of single-cell sequencing at the acupuncture points in both groups revealed that Ptgs2+ telocytes, a subset of telocytes, respond to acupuncture stimulation and facilitate the anti-inflammatory effects of M2 macrophages during acupuncture therapy.