UC-Irvine scientists present groundbreaking research at Society for Neuroscience ...(rofessor of pharmacology UC Irvine When:...),Health

When: 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4

Where: Poster 274, Nicotine Addiction: Developmental Effects; San Diego Convention Center Halls B-H

Acupuncture works in lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients

UC Irvine researchers have found that electroacupuncture (EA) at select acupoints, performed once or twice weekly for four-to-eight weeks, significantly reduces blood pressure in patients with hypertension. In this study, the researchers identified specific acupoints on hypertensive patients that trigger neurons in the hypothalamus, midbrain and medulla to release chemicals that reduce excitatory responses in the cardiovascular system. This resulted in a decrease in heart activity and its need for oxygen, which in turn lowered blood pressure and can promote healing for a number of cardiac ailments, such as myocardial ischemia (insufficient blood flow to the heart) and hypertension. Acupuncture is increasingly being used as an alternative medical therapy, and this is among the first clinical studies to examine how EA works to lower blood pressure in humans.

Poster: Long-lasting inhibitory effect of EA on blood pressure in patients with mild to moderate hypertension

UCI Experts: Peng Li, researcher in cardiology, UC Irvine; Dr. John Longhurst, cardiologist and the Lawrence K. Dodge Professor in Integrative Biology, UC Irvine

When: 10-11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 5

Where: Poster 417, Cardiovascular Regulation III; San Diego Convention Center Halls B-H

Researchers Restore Memory Process in Most Common Form of Mental Disability

UC Irvine scientists have discovered how to reverse the learning and memory problems inherent in the most common form of mental impairment. The team identified how a mutated gene linked to fragile X syndrome blocks brain cells from locking new memories into lasting ones. The gene called fragile X mental retardation 1 (Fmr1) is turn
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