Abstract: Objective To observe the effects of Jiaji electroacupuncture and neurodynamic mobilization technique on axon regeneration and content of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) in rabbits with sciatic nerve injury. Methods 30 male adult rabbits were assigned to sham (A, n=6), model (B, n=6), neurodynamic mobilization (C, n=6), Jiaji electroacupuncture (D, n=6), and Jiaji electroacupuncture combine with neurodynamic mobilization (E, n=6) groups. The group C was treated with neurodynamic mobilization, the group D with Jiaji electroacupuncture, and the group D with both 3 days after modeling of clamping at sciatic nerve, while the groups A and B with no treatment. The axon regeneration was observed with HE staining, and the content of BDNF and CNTF in serum was measured with ELISA 4 weeks after treatment. Results The axons regeneration was observed better in the groups C, D and E than in the group B. The content of BDNF and CNTF was more in the groups C, D and E than in the group B (P<0.05). Conclusion Both Jiaji electroacupuncture and neurodynamic mobilization can improve axon regeneration with synergistic action, which may associate with the increase of BDNF and CNTF in serum.

Key words: peripheral never injury, sciatic nerve, Jiaji electroacupuncture, neurodynamic mobilization technique, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, axon regeneration, rabbits