Abstract: Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture at Ouch Point on proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Desmin and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression in gastrocnemius muscle, and explore the possible mechanisms of the effect. Methods 78 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into model group (n=6), blank group (n=24), self-repair group (n=24) and electroacupuncture group (n=24). Each of the later 3 groups was divided into 1 d, 4 d, 7 d and 14 d subgroups, 6 rats in each subgroup. The model group, self-repair group and electroacupuncture group were modeled by gastrocnemius muscle crush injury combined with eccentric exercise-induced injury. After that, the model group given HE stain, and the other groups were given correspondent approach according to time point and immunohistochemical technology was used to test the expression of PCNA, Desmin and bFGF. Results PCNA expression was higher in the self-repair group than in the blank group at each time point (P<0.01). Desmin expression was lower in the self-repair group than in the blank group 1 d and 14 d after injury (P<0.05), but higher 7 d after injury (P>0.05). bFGF expression was higher in the self-repair group than in the blank group 7 d after injury (P<0.01). PCNA, bFGF and Desmin expression were higher in the electroacupuncture group than in the self-repair group 1 d and 4 d after injury (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture at Ouch Point can promote the proliferation of muscle satellite cells, accelerate the myogenic differentiation and shorten the repair process, which may be related to the increased and advanced expression of bFGF.

Key words: skeletal muscle damage, electroacupuncture, Ouch Point, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, basic fibroblast growth factor, Desmin, rats