Effects of electroacupuncture frequency on nerve function and synaptic associated proteins PSD-95 and GAP-43 in rats with cerebral ischemia / 国际中医中药杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observed the effects of electroacupuncture frequency on the nerve function and postsynaptic destination-95 (PSD-95), growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) in brain tissue of rats with cerebral ischemia were observed.Methods:Healthy adult male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group, sham operation group, model group and 2 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz electroacupuncture groups. MCAO models were prepared in each group, except blank group and sham operation group. After modeling, Qiansanli and Waiguan acupoints were given stimulation with 2 Hz, 50 Hz and 100 Hz respectively in 2 Hz electroacupuncture group, 50 Hz electroacupuncture group and 100 Hz electroacupuncture group, 1 time/d and 20 min/time for 21 consecutive days. All groups were scored by Bederson score on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th and 21th day after operation. The ultrastructure of synapses was observed by transmission electron microscope, and the positive expression of PSD-95 and GAP-43 was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results:After modeling 7, 14 and 21 days, compared with the model group, the Bederson behavioral score (1.70 ± 0.52 vs. 2.40 ± 0.56, 1.20 ± 0.65 vs. 2.30 ± 0.46, 0.70 ± 0.72 vs. 2.00 ± 0.86) in 50 Hz electroacupuncture group significantly decreased ( P<0.01 or P<0.05). The expression of PSD-95 (58.67 ± 1.72, 55.22 ± 2.45, 60.10 ± 2.49 vs. 70.87 ± 2.34) intergral optical density of rats’ cortex in 2 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz electroacupuncture groups significantly decreased ( P<0.01), the expression of GAP-43 in 2 Hz and 50 Hz electroacupuncture groups (58.89 ± 1.28, 64.76 ± 3.94 vs. 53.24 ± 2.58) significantly increased ( P<0.01). Conclusions:Electroacupuncture with different frequency can improve motor nerve disfunction of cerebral ischemia rats, and 50 Hz electroacupuncture group showed the most obvious effect. It can regulate PSD-95 and GAP-43 expressions of ischemic area, lower neural excitatory toxicity, increase neuronal axon regeneration and exert the neural protect function.