Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: 60 SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model group, EA group and EA+VEGF group with 15 rats in each group. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method was used to establish the model of cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. Electro-acupuncture intervention was introduced 1 day after the injury in the EA group and EA+VEGF group: 30 minutes each session and once a day for a total of 14 d [ acupoint selection: Baihui (GV 20), Quchi(Li 11), Zusanli (ST36)]. The rats in the EA+VEGF group were also injected with 10 μL of VEGF165 (0.025 μg/μL) into the lateral ventricle after the first session of EA. Five rats in each group were sacrificed after obtaining a neurological function score (mNSS) at day 0 (1 d after modeling, before EA intervention), day 7 and day 14, respectively. Nissl staining was used to observe the histomorphology of cerebral infarction areas. Immunohistochemistry was used to CM(155mm]detect GRP78 activity in the ischemic brain tissues. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (real-time PCR) was used to detect the expressions of caspase12, caspase3 and GRP78 mRNA in the ischemic brain tissues. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operation group, rats in the model group had higher mNSS scores ( P<0.05), showed signs of cerebral infarction (with reduced numbers of and disordered Nissl bodies and unclear structure), increased GRP78 immunopositive cells, increased expression of GRP78 mRNA ( P<0.05), and increased expressions of caspase12 and caspase3 mRNA ( P<0.05). Compared with the model group, EA and EA+VEGF decreased mNSS scores at day 7 and 14 ( P<0.05), showing alleviated signs of cerebral infarction, increased GRP78 immunopositive cells ( P<0.05), increased GRP78 mRNA expression ( P<0.05), and decreased caspase12 and caspase3 mRNA expressions ( P<0.05). The most obvious changes were found in the EA+VEGF group ( P<0.05). No significant changes were observed in the sham-operation group over time ( P<0.05). In comparison, mNSS scores, the signs of cerebral infarction, and the expressions of caspase12 and caspase3 decreased over time in the other groups ( P<0.05), accompanied with increased GRP78 immunopositive cells and the expression of GRP78 gene ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION:
Electroacupuncture and intracerebral injection of VEGF promote tissue repair of rats with cerebral ischemic injury, possibly through down-regulating the expressions of caspase12 and caspase3 genes and up-regulating the expression of GRP78 gene. The effect of electroacupuncture in combination with intracerebral injection of VEGF is superior to that of the single use of electroacupuncture.
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Authors | Jia-Peng Wu, Xue-Zhi Li, Ying Wang, Lin Ma, Tai-Wan Yao, Yong-Yue Zhang, Fei Long |
Journal | Sichuan da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Sichuan University. Medical science edition
(Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban)
Vol. 50
Issue 1
Pg. 34-39
(Jan 2019)
ISSN: 1672-173X [Print] China |
PMID | 31037902
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Copyright | Copyright© by Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Science Edition). |
Chemical References |
- GRP78 protein, rat
- Heat-Shock Proteins
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
- Casp12 protein, rat
- Casp3 protein, rat
- Caspase 12
- Caspase 3
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Topics |
- Animals
- Brain Ischemia
- Caspase 12
- Caspase 3
- Electroacupuncture
- Heat-Shock Proteins
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Reperfusion Injury
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
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