Passive movement and the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor and the B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 gene after cerebral infarction / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the effects of passive movement on the functional outcome after occlusion of the middle artery in the brain and reperfusion, and to explore the molecular mechanisms involved. Methods Cerebral infarction models were established in rats using left middle cerebral artery occlusion ( MCAO). The survivors were randomly divided into a passive movement group and a natural recovery group. There was also a sham-operated group and a normal group. Passive movement treatment (twice a day, twenty min per time) was started at different times after reperfusion. The expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 gene (Bcl-2) were determined using real-time PCRs. Results Expression of BDNF and Bcl-2 was detected a-round the infarction area in both groups. The expression of BDNF and Bcl-2 was highest in the sub-groups where passive movement was begun 24 or 48 h after the operation. Conclusions The expression of BDNF and Bcl-2 in the brain peaks when daily, moderate intensity passive movement is administered beginning 24 to 48 h after reperfusion. Passive movement might have a protective and rehabilitative effect after cerebral infarction.