Electroacupuncture enhances motor recovery performance with brain-Derived neurotrophic factor expression in rats with cerebral infarction

Manho Kim, Min Wook Kim, You Chul Chung, Hee Chan Jung, Moon Seo Park, Young Min Han, Yong An Chung, Lee So Maeng, Sang In Park, Jiyeon Lim, Woo Seok Im, Jin Young Chung, Minky Kim, Inhee Mook

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective Electroacupuncture (EA) is a traditional medicine in patients with post-stroke rehabilitation. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a potent growth factor involved in recovery following cerebral injury. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether EA increases BDNF levels and facilitates functional recovery. Methods Occlusion of the middle cerebral artery was performed in rats (N=12) followed by reperfusion. EA was applied at the GV20 (Baihui) acupoint. Motor and sensory functions were monitored on the Garcia scale for 2 weeks. Expressions of BDNF and receptor tyrosine kinase B (trkB) were determined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Results Improvement of Garcia scores, particularly in motor performance, were noted in the group with EA stimulation (p<0.05). With EA application, BDNF was elevated in the ischaemic hemisphere with increased numbers of BDNF(+) cells. Increased expression of trkB was also detected. Conclusion These results indicate that EA at GV20 improves motor recovery and stimulates BDNF/trkB expression in rats with cerebral ischaemia.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)222-226
Number of pages5
JournalAcupuncture in Medicine
Volume30
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2012

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