Application prospects of the combined isolated heart perfusion and calcium transient myocardial contraction measurement techniques in cardiovascular protective mechanisms research of acupuncture

Acupuncture has demonstrated unique potential in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, yet its further scientific advancement and international recognition still require breakthroughs in mechanism research and evidence strengthening. Isolated heart perfusion technique and calcium transient myocardial contraction measurement technique have provided new perspectives and methods for cardiac research. However, due to experimental limitations, these two techniques have rarely been utilized in acupuncture research. Integrating and applying these two technologies in acupuncture research can enable precise quantification of the multi-target regulatory effects of acupuncture on the autonomic nervous system-calcium cycle at the cellular level, as well as accurate evaluation of the synergistic and/or antagonistic interactions between acupuncture and medication in treating cardiovascular diseases. This integration will provide an effective means to deeply elucidate the calcium-regulation mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular effects of acupuncture. Through detailed analysis of the principles, applications, and advantages of these two technologies, this article further explores their application prospects in the research of cardiovascular modulation mechanism of acupuncture, thereby expanding new fields and directions in basic research of acupuncture.