Effect of electroacupuncture on rCBF of rats with acute cerebral infarction

[Objective] To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on rCBF of rats with acute cerebral infarction.[Methods] The acute cerebral infarction was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion and using laser doppler blood flow assessment the change of regional blood flow after cerebral infarction(every half to one hour for 6 hours after MCAO) was detected in both hemisphere.[Results] Immediately after MCAO,the ipsilateral rCBF was significantly decreased to(25.18±1.87)% and(23.46±1.24)% after intervention of electric acupuncture.The rCBF was also determinately decreased to(86.55±1.46)% and(86.70±2.21)% after intervention in electroacupuncture group immediately at MCAO.After electroacupuncture stimulus,there is a significant increase of the ipsilateral rCBF compared with control group [(46.96±1.61)% and(26.19±1.97)%,P0.001)],but it was still lower than normal level,and the contralateral rCBF was also increased approximately to normal level in the treatment group.There was significant difference at 0.5 and 1 hour after MCAO compared with that in control group(P0.05).[Conclusion] Electroacupuncture stimulus can significant enhance rCBF in both hemisphere after MCAO,thereby increasing cerebral blood flow perfusion in the peri-ischemic zone and may also increase cerebral blood flow perfusion to the infarct core.