Abstract: Objective To study the effect of Du meridian electroacupuncture on growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) expression in rats after spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods The SCI models were established with MASCIS Impactor at T11 segment in Sprague-Dawley rats. They were equally divided into control group (group A, n=18) and Du meridian electroacupuncture group (group B, n=18). Group B received electroacupuncture once a day since 1 week after SCI. They were evaluated with the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score 1, 2, 4, 8 weeks after SCI. The mRNA and protein of GAP-43 was detected with RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry 2, 4, 8 weeks after SCI. Results Compared with group A, the BBB score, the expression of GAP-43 mRNA and protein increased in group B after SCI (P<0.01). Conclusion Du meridian electroacupuncture can promote the expression of GAP-43 after spinal cord injury.

Key words: spinal cord injury, Du meridian electroacupuncture, growth associated protein-43