Effect of electroacupuncture on chondrocyte apoptosis in rabbits modle with knee osteoarthritis

Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture( EA) on chondrocyte apoptosis in rabbits model with knee osteoarthritis,investigate the mechanism of electro-acupuncture treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Methods 36 rabbits were randomly divided into normal group( group A),model group( group B),EA group( group C),Glucosamine capsule group( group D)( n = 9). The rabbits in group B,C and D were made into the models with the knee osteoarthritis,in group C were treated by electroacupuncture for 3 weeks,in group D were fed with glucosamine capsule 90 mg / kg for 3 weeks,in the other groups were normal fed. After nine weeks,the rabbit knee joint cartilage specimens were taken,chondrocyte apoptosis was detected by TUNEL and the apoptosis index( AI) was calculated. Results After electroacupuncture was given for 3 weeks,the AI of group C was significantly lower than that of group B( P 0. 01). Conclusions The Electroacupuncture has the preventive and curative effects on osteoarthritis by improving chondrocyte apoptosis. Electroacupuncture for knee osteoarthritis is effective.