ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the influence of electroacupuncture on the expression of neuropeptides in fibroeartilage callus tissue after femoral fracture. Methods Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a fracture group and an electroacupuncture group. Femoral fracture models were established in both groups, and the rats in the electroacupuncture group were given electroacupuncture. Rats were sacrificed on the 4th, 7th, 14th and 28th days after surgery. The calluses were stained immunohistochemically to detect the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP). Results CGRP and SP levels increased rapidly after eleetroacu-puncture, with neuropeptides expressed strongly in callus cell tissue. The optical density (OD) in the electroacu-puncture group was significantly higher than that in the fracture group ( P≤0. 05 ). Conclusion Electroaeupune-ture can significantly increase the expression of neuropeptides in rats after femoral fracture. Electroaeupuneture can promote fracture healing through regulating neuropeptides.