Effects of Electroacupuncture on the Neuronal Apoptosis and the Expression of NF-κB Protein in Cerebral Ischemia Area of Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Rats

Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of NF-κB in cerebral ischemia area of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats and the neuron apoptosis in cortex by EA on shuigou and neiguan (left) point, and study the protective effect and its mechanism of EA on the cerebral ischemia. Method Cerebral ischemia reperfusion model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 30 min and then removal, then EA shuigou and neiguan left points of experimental rats. Neuronal apoptosis in cortex was observed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL), NF-κB protein in the ischemia cortex was detected by immunohistochemistry. Result The neuronal apoptosis and the expression of NF-κB protein in the ischemia cortex was deteded of ischemia side of EA treatment groups were lower comparing with model group. Conclusion EA can lighten the neurons injury after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion by decreasing the expression of NF-κB protein and the neuronal apoptosis in the ischemia cortex.