[Influence of electroacupuncture on spinal TNF-alpha and IL-6 contents in spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury rabbits].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Zusanli" (ST 36)-"Quchi" (LI 11) on behavior changes and spinal inflammatory reactions in spinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (SI/RI) rabbits, so as to assess its protective effect on SI/RI.

METHODS:

Thirty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into sham-operation (sham), SI/RI model (model) and EA groups. SI/RI model was established by occlusion of the abdominal aorta for 45 min. EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36)-"Quchi" (LI 11) for 30 min after modeling, 4 times (0 h, 12 h, 24 h and 36 h after modeling) altogether. The animals' motor function score of the hindlimb was assessed according to Tarlov's method. The contents of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) of the lumbar spinal cord tissue were assayed by ELISA 48 h after modeling.

RESULTS:

Compared with the sham group, the animals' motor scores at 24 h and 48 h after modeling were decreased, and spinal TNF-alpha and IL-6 contents were increased significantly (all P < 0.05) in the model group. In comparison with the model group, the animals' motor scores at both 24 h and 48 h were up-regulated considerably in the EA group (P < 0.05), suggesting an improvement of the neuronal function after EA intervention. The spinal TNF-alpha and IL-6 contents were obviously lower in the EA group than in the model group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Electroacupuncture has a protective effect on the spinal cord ischemia- reperfusion injury of rabbits probably by reducing the local inflammatory reactions.

• Authors: Ze-Jun Huo, Jun Die, Ji-Min Xu
• Journal: Zhen ci yan jiu = Acupuncture research (Zhen Ci Yan Jiu) Vol. 37 Issue 4 Pg. 308-11 (Aug 2012) ISSN: 1000-0607 [Print] China
• PMID: 23140053 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Interleukin-6
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Topics

• Animals
• Electroacupuncture
• Humans
• Interleukin-6 (genetics, metabolism)
• Male
• Rabbits
• Reperfusion (adverse effects)
• Reperfusion Injury (etiology, genetics, metabolism, therapy)
• Spinal Cord (metabolism)
• Spinal Cord Ischemia (surgery)
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (genetics, metabolism)