Effects of Elector-acupuncture on Regional Cerebral Blood Flow and Infarction Volume in Rat Model of Acute Focal Cerebral Ischemia

Objective To assess the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and cerebral infarct volume in a rat model of acute focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Methods A rat model of acute focal ischemia was built with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) technique and then treated with electro-acupuncture at acupoint “Shuigou” (GV 26) and “Baihui” (GV 20). Cortical rCBF was monitored before operation, ischemia 1 h and reperfusion 1h on each rat with laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) .The neurologic deficit score and infarction volume were determined after 24 h of reperfusion. Results rCBF of all rats significantly decreased immediately after MCAO. Within 2h , rCBF of model group was permanently lower, but rBCF was obviously increased when EA treatment. The increasing effect of EA on CBF was fast and transient. After ischemia 1h and reperfusion 24 h, rat neurologicl deficit score was high, and cerebral infarct volume was about 33.4% in model group. Otherwise, EA group, neurologic deficit score was lower , and cerebral infarct volume was only 4.5% in EA group. Conclusion EA can significantly increase rCBF, protect neural function and decrease cerebral infarction volume in a rat model of focal ischemia. Treatment with EA earlier on disease of cerebral ischemia has significantly therapeutic effects