Effect of electroacupuncture stimulation on apoptosis of nerve cells in a rat model of spinal cord contusion

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2016.05.002

Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2016, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (5): 616-621.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2016.05.002

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Effect of electroacupuncture stimulation on apoptosis of nerve cells in a rat model of spinal cord contusion

Liu Jian-min¹, Wang Fu-chuan¹, Zhou Ya-jing², Mu Li², Hou Shao-ke², Hao Li-na², Zhang Zi-tan²

¹Department of Orthopedic Trauma, People’s Hospital of Xingtai City, Hebei Medical University, Xingtai 054001, Hebei Province, China; ²Department of Anesthesiology, People’s Hospital of Xingtai City, Hebei Medical University, Xingtai 054001, Hebei Province, China

Received:2015-11-18 Online:2016-01-29 Published:2016-01-29
Contact: Wang Fu-chuan, Master, Chief physician, Department of Orthopedic Trauma, People’s Hospital of Xingtai City, Hebei Medical University, Xingtai 054001, Hebei Province, China
About author:Liu Jian-min, Master, Attending physician, Department of Orthopedic Trauma, People’s Hospital of Xingtai City, Hebei Medical University, Xingtai 054001, Hebei Province, China

Abstract

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Electroacupuncture has promoting effects on the functional recovery of the injured spinal cord, can decrease pain, and elevate postoperative effect after acute spinal cord contusion.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on apoptosis in the injured site after spinal cord contusion, and analyze its neuroprotective effects on neurological function in rats with spinal cord contusion.
METHODS: A total of 66 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into: sham surgery group (n=20), spinal cord contusion group (n=20), electroacupuncture stimulation group (n=20) because six rats were excluded due to modeling failure and death. Before model establishment, at 1, 3 days, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after model establishment, motor functions were evaluated by BBB score and the inclined plate test. At 3 days after model establishment, apoptosis of nerve cells could be detected in the site of injury in each experimental group using TUNEL assay. mRNA and protein expression of bax, bcl-2 and caspase-3 was detected surrounding the injury site using RT-PCR and western blot assay. Morphological changes in the site of injury could be observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The regeneration of nerve fibers was observed using HRP tracing.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Motor function score was significantly increased at various time points in the 2nd week of treatment in the electroacupuncture stimulation group than in the spinal cord contusion group (P < 0.05). (2) Apoptotic index was significantly lower in the electroacupuncture stimulation group than in the spinal cord contusion group at 3 days after model establishment (P < 0.05). (3) mRNA and protein expression of bax and caspase-3 was significantly lower in the electroacupuncture stimulation group than in the spinal cord contusion group at 72 hours (P < 0.05); bcl-2 gene and protein expression was significantly higher (P < 0.05). (4) The number of HRP-positive nerve fibers was highest in the sham surgery group, followed by electroacupuncture stimulation group, and lowest in the spinal cord contusion group at 4 weeks (P < 0.05). Results indicated that electroacupuncture plays a protective role on the spinal cord contusion by reducing apoptosis of nerve cells at the site of injury.

中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：肾移植；肝移植；移植；心脏移植；组织移植；皮肤移植；皮瓣移植；血管移植；器官移植；组织工程

Liu Jian-min, Wang Fu-chuan, Zhou Ya-jing, Mu Li, Hou Shao-ke, Hao Li-na, Zhang Zi-tan. Effect of electroacupuncture stimulation on apoptosis of nerve cells in a rat model of spinal cord contusion[J]. Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research, 2016, 20(5): 616-621.

Figures/Tables 7

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Effect of electroacupuncture stimulation on apoptosis of nerve cells in a rat model of spinal cord contusion

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