Electroacupuncture enhances motor recovery performance with brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in rats with cerebral infarction

Acupunct Med. 2012 Sep;30(3):222-6. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2011-010126. Epub 2012 Jun 23.

Abstract

Objective: Electroacupuncture (EA) is a traditional medicine in patients with post-stroke rehabilitation. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a potent growth factor involved in recovery following cerebral injury. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether EA increases BDNF levels and facilitates functional recovery.

Methods: Occlusion of the middle cerebral artery was performed in rats (N=12) followed by reperfusion. EA was applied at the GV20 (Baihui) acupoint. Motor and sensory functions were monitored on the Garcia scale for 2 weeks. Expressions of BDNF and receptor tyrosine kinase B (trkB) were determined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results: Improvement of Garcia scores, particularly in motor performance, were noted in the group with EA stimulation (p<0.05). With EA application, BDNF was elevated in the ischaemic hemisphere with increased numbers of BDNF(+) cells. Increased expression of trkB was also detected.

Conclusion: These results indicate that EA at GV20 improves motor recovery and stimulates BDNF/trkB expression in rats with cerebral ischaemia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Points
  • Animals
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / genetics*
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / metabolism
  • Cerebral Infarction / genetics
  • Cerebral Infarction / metabolism
  • Cerebral Infarction / physiopathology
  • Cerebral Infarction / therapy*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Electroacupuncture*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Activity*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Recovery of Function

Substances

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor