A Preliminary Study of the Optimal Frequency Combination and Mechanism of Electroacupuncture Treatment for Lower Limb Myatrophy / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To sift out the optimized electric pulse parameters for electroacupuncture treatment for lower limb myatrophy and explore the mechanism of its treatment.Method A model of lower limb myatrophy was made in 40 SD rats.The rats were then randomized to groups A (model group without electroacupuncture), B (a pulse duration of 0.5 ms and a frequency of 2 Hz), C (a pulse duration of 200 msand a frequency of 2 Hz) and D (a pulse duration of 200 ms and a frequency of 1/2/3 Hz).Points Zusanli(ST36)and Chengshan(BL57)were given electroacupuncture for four courses of treatment.Thesciaticfunction index (SFI),gastrocnemius muscle wet weight ratio (GW), gastrocnemius muscle fiber cross-sectional area ratio (GC),gastrocnemius muscle cell diameter ratio (GD)and gastrocnemius muscle cell apoptosis index (AI)were determined.Result SFI, GW and GC increased significantly and AI decreased significantly in groups C and D compared with group A (P<0.05). AI decreased significantly in groups C and D compared with group B (P<0.05). AI decreased significantly in groups D compared with group C (P<0.05). Conclusion Apulse duration of 200 ms and a frequency of 1/2/3 Hz are the optimizedelectric pulse parametersfor electroacupuncture delaying myatrophy.Its mechanism is related to inhibiting myocyte apoptosis.