Abstract: Objective To study the effects of body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) or Du channel electroacupuncture (DcEA) on locomotion function and expressions of nerve growth factor (NGF) and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) in rats with spinal cord transection. Methods 54 adult SD rats were divided into control group (n=18), BWSTT group (n=18) and DcEA group (n=18). Each group was divided into 3 subgroups (n=6) for 8 d, 15 d and 30 d respectively. Spinal cord transection was performed at T10 level. The locomotion function was assessed with Bosso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor rating scale for open field (BBB scale) and the expressions of NGF and GAP-43 in spinal cord tissues to the injury caudal ends were measured with immunohistochemistry. Results The scores of BBB scales and expressions of NGF and GAP-43 were higher in BWSTT group and DcEA group than those in the control group on the 8th d,15th d and 30th d respectively (P<0.01); and were higher in DcEA group than in BWSTT group on the 15th d and 30th d respectively (P<0.01). Conclusion Both BWSTT and DcEA can improve the locomotion function in rats with spinal cord transection and increase expressions of NGF and GAP-43 in spinal cord tissues, and DcEA is more effective.

Key words: body weight support treadmill training, Du channel electroacupuncture, spinal cord injury, nerve growth factor, growth-associated protein-43