Electroacupuncture stimulates remodeling of extracellular matrix by inhibiting apoptosis in a rabbit model of disc degeneration.

The present study was designed to determine whether EA stimulates remodeling of extracellular matrix by inhibiting apoptosis in degenerated disc. 40 rabbits were randomly assigned to one of the four groups. Animal model was established by a loading device. Magnetic resonance imaging and Pfirrmann's classification were obtained to evaluate both the model and the EA treatment on disc degeneration. The ultrastructure of discs was observed by TEM. Apoptosis involvement was determined with TUNEL staining and western blot for the protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2. The results indicated that EA intervention decreased the MRI grades. TEM analysis showed an apparent remodeling and rearrangement of disc ECM after EA intervention for 28 days. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in the EA group was significantly lower than that in the compression group. The protein expression demonstrated an antiapoptosis effect mediated by EA. Increased expression of Bcl-2 proteins and reduced Bax protein expression were detected after 28 days treatment. It was concluded that antiapoptosis pathway probably participates in the mechanism of EA stimulating the remodeling of ECM in disc degeneration.