Effects of acupuncture on expressions of brain P~(53),Bcl-2 and Bax in rats with brain contusion

Objective To observe the effects of acupuncture on expressions of brain apoptosis-related genes,i.e.P53,Bcl-2 and Bax, in rats with brain contusion.Method The rat model of brain contusion was established by using impact method of Feeney freely falling body and then all rats(n=40) were randomly divided into 4 groups,including the shamoperation group,model group,naloxone group and acupuncture group(each n=10).The acupuncture group and naloxone group were given respectively acupuncture and introperitoneal injection of noloxone once a day for 7 days.The expressions of P53,Bcl-2 and Bax in injured brain were detected by using immunohistochemistry assay.Result In the model group the expressions of P53 and Bax were higher significantly than those in the sham-operation group(P0.01) and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax was reduced.In the acupuncture group and naloxone group the expression of Bcl-2 was higher significantly(P0.01),expressions of P53 and Bax were lower significantly (P0.01) than those in the model group,and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax was increased.The expressions of P53,Bcl-2 and Bax were not different respectively between the acupuncture group and naloxone group(P0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture can reduce the expressions of P53 and Bax,increase Bcl-2 expression,and raise the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax in rats with brain contusion,which may be one of the mechanisms of acupuncture for relieving brain apoptosis and preventing secondary brain injury.