Effects of electroacupuncture per-conditioning at Huantiao on motor function recovery in acute cerebral ischemia mice

Abstract

Background

Continuous electroacupuncture pre-conditioning (EPRC) and post-conditioning (EPOC) effectively improve motor dysfunction after acute cerebral ischemia, but they require multiple treatments. Recently, electroacupuncture per-conditioning (EPEC) has demonstrated neuroprotective effects, indicating that this single-session intervention has short-term efficacy.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of EPEC at Huantiao (GB30) on motor recovery in acute cerebral ischemia mice.

Methods

Forty-eight male C57 BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: Sham(n = 12), Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Reperfusion, MCAO/R (n = 18), and Electroacupuncture, EA (n = 18). The EA group received 60 minutes of electroacupuncture during the ischemic phase. Cerebral blood flow was measured with a laser system, and neurological assessments, brain infarct volume, and neuronal damage were made at 24-, 48-, and 72-hours post-surgery. Motor recovery was tested on day 6, and inflammatory cytokines were measured on day 7.

Results

EPEC at Huantiao (GB30) significantly improves motor function recovery in acute cerebral ischemia mice(p < 0.05), Significantly reducing cerebral infarct volume(p < 0.05) and mitigating neuronal damage and apoptosis(p < 0.05). It also promotes the restoration of cerebral blood flow during ischemia and regulates gradual restoration of cerebral blood flow in early reperfusion(p < 0.05), potentially reducing reperfusion injury. Additionally, it decreases pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-2, IL-8, and IFN-γ(p < 0.05).

Conclusion

EPEC at Huantiao (GB30) significantly improves motor recovery in acute cerebral ischemia mice by reducing infarct size, lessening neuronal damage and apoptosis, increasing cerebral blood flow during ischemia, regulating gradual restoration of cerebral blood flow in early reperfusion, decreasing pro-inflammatory factors, and alleviating reperfusion injury.