ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture in preventing delayed cerebral vasospasm (DCVS).Method Sixteen healthy Japanese big ear rabbits were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 8 in each group. The treatment group was developed into models by intramuscular anesthesia on the 6th day after 5 days’ 20-min daily intervention of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation during a specific time period; the control group was developed into models by the same way on the 6th day but without electrical stimulation. The diameter of basilar artery was measured by using CTA prior to the electrical stimulation and after modeling in both groups, the plasma levels of ET-1, CGRP, and IL-6 were detected, and behavioral changes 1 d, 3 d, and 5 d after modeling were observed.Result After modeling, there was a significant difference in comparing the basilar artery diameter between the two groups (P<0.05). The plasma levels of ET-1, CGRP, and IL-6 in the treatment group were significantly different from that in the control group (P<0.05). In the treatment group, the neural function scores 3 d and 5 d after modeling were markedly different from that 1 d after modeling (P<0.05). There were significant differences in comparing the neural function scores 3 d and 5 d after modeling between the two groups (P<0.05).Conclusion Pre-intervention with electroacupuncture prevents and improves DCVS possibly via modulating the levels of ET-1, CGRP, and IL-6, and subsequently involving in anti-inflammation, immune inhibition, and vasodilation.