RESUMO
Objective To investigate the inhibiting effect of acupuncture at points Neiguan(PC6) and Shuigou(GV26) on caspase-3, and PARP-1 mRNA and protein expressions in the cerebral cortex in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Method Forty male SD rats were randomized to normal, sham operation, model and acupuncture groups. A model of middle cerebral artery infarction was made by modified Longa thread occlusion. Neurological function was scored using a 6-grade 5-point Bederson's scale. Caspase-3, and PARP-1 mRNA and protein expressions in rat cerebral cortex were determined using real-time PCR and Western Blot at 24 hrs after cerebral ischemia. Result Neurological deficit was reduced in the acupuncture group of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion compared with the model group (P<0.01). Acupuncture could down-regulate caspase-3, and PARP-1 mRNA and protein expressions and there was a statistically significant difference compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01; P<0.05, P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture at points Neiguan and Shuigou can down-regulate caspase-3, and PARP-1 mRNA and protein expressions in the cerebral cortex in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion.