针刺调控5-羟色胺受体改善失眠的研究进展

Research Progress on Acupuncture Regulating Serotonin Receptors for Improving Insomnia

摘要: 5-羟色胺(5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)是中枢神经系统重要的神经递质之一，在睡眠–觉醒节律调控中发挥关键作用。近年来，5-HT及其受体亚型在失眠发生发展中的作用机制逐渐成为研究热点。现代药物治疗失眠多通过调节5-HT受体活性或其相关信号通路发挥作用，虽可在一定程度上改善睡眠症状，但长期应用易产生耐受性、依赖性及不良反应。针刺作为中医特色外治法，在改善失眠方面具有疗效确切、安全性高等优势。研究表明，针刺改善失眠的作用与中枢5-HT系统密切相关。本文基于中枢5-HT系统，综述失眠与5-HT受体功能异常的关系，重点总结针刺对中枢5-HT受体表达及其相关信号通路的调控作用机制，以期为针刺治疗失眠的机制研究及临床应用提供理论依据。

Abstract: Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is one of the important neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and plays a key role in the regulation of sleep-wake rhythms. In recent years, the mechanisms by which 5-HT and its receptor subtypes contribute to the development and progression of insomnia have become a growing research focus. Modern pharmacological treatments for insomnia primarily act by modulating 5-HT receptor activity or related signaling pathways. Although they can improve sleep symptoms to a certain extent, long-term use tends to produce tolerance, dependence, and adverse reactions. Acupuncture, as a distinctive external therapy in traditional Chinese medicine, has demonstrated advantages such as definite efficacy and high safety in improving insomnia. Studies have shown that the effect of acupuncture on insomnia is closely related to the central 5-HT system. Based on the central 5-HT system, this article reviews the relationship between insomnia and 5-HT receptor dysfunction, with a particular focus on summarizing the regulatory mechanisms of acupuncture on central 5-HT receptor expression and related signaling pathways, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for mechanism research and clinical application of acupuncture in treating insomnia.