Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of electrical stimulation on the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) in adult rats with spinal cord injury. Methods 72 adult SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: damage control group, electrical stimulation group and normal group. The spinal cord incomplete injury model on T9 was made with Allen's method. The electrical stimulation group received electrical stimulation for 7 d. They were assessed with the Basso, Beattie & Bresnahan locomotor rating scale (BBB scale), and the expression of NGF were tested with immunohistochemistry and Western blot l d, 3 d, 5 d, 7 d after injury. Results The BBB score improved after spinal cord injury, and electrical stimulation group improved more than control group since the 5th day after injury (P<0.05). The expression of NGF increased in electrical stimulation and injury control group after injury (P<0.05). Conclusion Electrical stimulation after spinal cord injury induces expression of NGF that creates a favorable microenvironment for nerve regeneration.

Key words: spinal cord injury, nerve growth factor, electrical stimulation