Influence of electroacupuncture on expressions of IL-6 and IL-10 in rats with local cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

Objective To observe the influence of electroacupuncture on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in rats with local cerebral ischemia-reperfusion and investigate the mechanism of acupuncture for treating cerebral ischemia lesion. Method The model of middle cerebral artery obstruction (MCAO) was established in SD rats by using intraluminal suture. After 2 hours the suture was withdrawn to induce reperfusion lesion. The changes of IL-6 and IL-10 contents were observed in rat plasma and cerebral tissue at different time points and after the treatment of electroacupuncture. Result The contents of IL-6 and IL-10 were increased in the treatment group 1 than that in the control group 1 (P0.05). The content of IL-6 in the treatment group 2 was increased than that in the control group 2 (P0.05). There was a significant difference in IL-10 content between the treatment group 1 and control group 1 (P0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture can inhibit the aggregation and activation of inflammatory cells and the release of cell toxic materials in ischemia area through improving the expressions of IL-6 and IL-10 to a certain extent. Electroacupuncture can improve the microcirculation, cerebral blood supply and the recovery of rat cranial nerve.