To analyze the structural specificity of Shenque (CV 8) in terms of vascular biology from the three aspects of structure, tissue and molecular anatomies. On structural anatomy Shenque (CV 8) possessed defined vascular structure and was the only acupoint directly affected vascular intima. The basis of the specific therapeutic effects was owing to its relation with vessel and abundant microcirculation. Endothelial cells and microvascular endothelial cells were the tissue basis of the starting of therapeutic specificity. Molecular anatomy involved in the functions of transient receptor potential vanilloid family (TRPV) pathway and neuronal peptide secretion of endothelial cells in the structural function of the point. The "restoring yang for collapse" effect of salt-partition moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) was analyzed based on the local biological specificity of blood vessels. The mechanisms were concluded as effectively targeting the dysfunction of microvascular endothelial cells and acquiring the maximum quantity of moxibustion by repeated warm-heat stimulation. The vascular biological structural features of Shenque (CV 8) may contribute to direct therapeutic effects on endothelial cells by the point.
Keywords: Point CV 8 (Shenque); endothelial cells; microvascular endothelial cells; navel; transient receptor potential vanilloid family (TRPV).