Electroacupuncture improves neuronal function by stimulation of ascending peripheral nerve conduction in rats with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a method of transient sciatic nerve blockade and to examine the involvement of the ascending peripheral nerve pathway in the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

We examined the transient effect of daily lidocaine administration into the posteromedial part of the greater trochanter on sciatic nerve function using electrophysiological examination and histopathology of the sciatic nerve. Rats were divided into three groups: an SCI group (SCI without treatment), an SCI with electroacupuncture treatment (SCI-EA) group, and an SCI with nerve block and electroacupuncture (SCI-NB-EA) group (nerve block was achieved by lidocaine administration to transiently block the ascending peripheral nerve pathway). Behavioral tests and electrophysiological examinations were performed to evaluate recovery of neurological function.

RESULTS

Sciatic nerve conduction was normal immediately before daily lidocaine administration. Histopathological analysis also indicated normal sciatic nerve, confirming that lidocaine nerve blockade was suitable and reversible for transiently eliminating nerve transmission. Neurological function in the SCI-EA group was superior to that in the SCI group, while no differences were found between the SCI and SCI-NB-EA groups.

CONCLUSION

Electroacupuncture treatment can promote recovery of neurological function. Facilitation of nerve conduction may play an important role in this recovery.