丹田呼吸法による脳波と前頭前野の脳血流の変動:セロトニン神経の関与

抄録

To evaluate a mechanism underlying DT breathing, we previously examined the effect of DT breathing on EEG, and found the increase in high-frequency alpha activity (HF-alpha; 10-13Hz). Since the urinary serotonin (5-HT) level was increased after DT breathing, we hypothesized that the activity of the 5-HT neuron located in the brain stem may be involved in modulating the EEG power during DT breathing (Fumoto et al,Neuroscience Research, 50, 2004, 307-317). In the present study, we investigated EEG (Cz,Pz,Oz), and CBF in the prefrontal cortex as assessed by changes of hemoglobin oxygenation using 24-channal near-infrared spectroscopy(NIRS) in the healthy subjects during and after DT breathing. Blood serotonin(5-HT) levels were measured using a HPLC system. As a result, we found the augmentation of HF-alpha power on EEG during and after DT breathing. DT breathing evoked a gradual increase of CBF in the prefrontal cortex. Blood 5-HT levels increased after DT breathing. So we suggest that prefrontal cortex are activated by DT breathing, which cause augmentation serotonergic system of brain stem, in turn induce increase alphapower on EEG. [J Physiol Sci. 2008;58 Suppl:S119]