[Effect of electroacupuncture on the permeability of blood-brain barrier for nerve growth factor and its relevance to PKC pathway in cerebral ischemia rats].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Yamen" (GV 15) on the permeability of blood-brain barrier for exogenous nerve growth factor (NGF) and its relevance to PKC pathway in cerebral ischemia (CI) rats.

METHODS

Forty-eight SD rats were randomized into sham-operation (sham), model, NGF, EA, NGF + EA, and NGF + H7 + EA groups. CI model was established by repeated occlusion of the bilateral carotid arteries and reperfusion. NGF (10 microg/kg) was administrated by intravenous injection (vena caudalis); while H 7 [1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-mehtylpoperazine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), 1 mg/kg] was given by intraperitoneal injection. EA (100 Hz, 2 mA) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Yamen" (GV 15) for 20 min. NGF content in the brain tissue was assayed by enzyme-labeled immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

In comparison with sham group, cerebral NGF content had no apparent change in model group (P > 0.05). Comparison among the abovementioned 6 groups showed that cerebral NGF level in NGF + EA group was significantly higher than those in sham, model, EA and NGF groups (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found among sham, model, NGF, EA and NGF+ H7 + EA groups and between NGF + EA and NGF + H7 + EA groups in cerebral NGF contents (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EA of GV 20 and GV 15 can raise the permeability of blood-brain barrier for NGF to increase its level in the cerebral tissue in CI rats, favoring the regeneration and repair of nerves, which has no clear relevance to PKC pathway.