Objective: This work was designed to observe the curative effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the recovery of local cerebral ischemia in rats and explore its mechanism.

Method: 5l SD rats weighing 280-340g with 6-7 months of age were used and randomly divided into Pseudooperation (n=8),Model I (n=l5),Model II (n=l0), EA (n=11) and non-acupoint (n=7) groups. The rat was anaesthetized with ketamine and put on the left lateral position. Incised the skin at the middle of eye and ear. Cut the zygomatic arch and drilled in front of roots of zygoma and then exposed the middle cerebral artery by tearing the dura mater of the brain. Ligated the artery between the inferior cerebral veins and the olfactory bulb and cut distally. In the Pseudooperation (control) group, the middle cerebral artery of the rats was not ligated but just threaded under it. In this group, the rats were fixed with no acupuncture, once daily for seven days; In Model I group, the rats were fixed with no acupuncture, once daily for four days; In Model II group, the rats were fixed with no acupuncture, once daily for seven days; In EA group, "Quchi" (LI 11), "Waiguan" (SJ5), "Biguan" (ST 3l), "Zusanli" (ST 36) were stimulated. Parameters: frequency 3Hz, voltage<3V, duration 5 min, once daily for seven days; Non-acupoints group, were the midpoints (right and left) between the pudendum and the knee joint. The parameters were the same as those of EA group.

Results: EA could improve the neuropathic symptoms and signs of the recovery stage in MCAO rats and their memory, significantly reduce the size of the cerebral infarction, and promote the proliferation and renovation of capillaries and gliocytes. It exerted no obvious effect on the viscosity of the blood.

Conclusion: EA stimulation of acupoints produces remarkable effect on the recovery stage of local cerebral ischemia in rats.

　　By Wang Jun, Jia Shiqi, Lei Xinqiang
　　Henan Academy of TCM, Zhengzhou 450004, China