Quantitative electron microscopy applied to traditional Chinese medicine

In the present report, quantitative electron microscopy is applied to the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The theory of TCM indicates that pi (spleen in TCM) has important roles in human health. One such function of the pi is nourishing the muscles, and our work examines the ultrastructural basis of the pi actins in this role. The number of mitochondria of skeletal muscle per area was measured and analyzed. The results indicate a significant decrease in the number of mitochondria with normal structure and a significant increase in the number of mitochondria with abnormal structure in piqixuzheng (spleen energy deficiency in TCM) rats. Such changes are thought to reduce the energy supply of the muscles. After treatment with sijunzitang (herbs which invigorate functioning of the pi), the data do not show a significant difference when compared with normal rats. It is considered that the energy metabolism of the cells is one of the functions of pi.