Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Quchi (LI11) and Zusanli (ST36) acupoints on the ultrastructural structure of cortical neurons in peripheral area and the protein expression of caspase- 3, Bcl- 2, Bax in rats with cerebral ischemia- reperfusion injury. Methods 36 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, and electroacupuncture group, with 12 rats in each group. The model group and electroacupuncture group were performed with left middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) according to the modified Longa' methods. The electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at Quchi (LI11) and Zusanli (ST36) on the paralyzed limb, for 30 minute. The neurobehavioral scores were recorded before and after treatment. The ultrastructural structure of cortical neurons was observed with transmission electron microscope (TEM). The protein expression of caspase- 3, Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by Western blotting technique. Results The neurobehavioral score was lower in the electroacupuncture group than in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the chromatin of neurons was even relatively, and the number of mitochondria increased. The expression of Bcl-2 was higher and the expression of caspase-3 and Bax was lower in the electroacupuncture group than in the model group (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture at Quchi (LI11) and Zusanli (ST36) acupoints can inhibit the neurons apoptosis in peripheral area through mitochondria-caspase-3 pathway.

Key words: cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, electroacupuncture, mitochondria, caspase-3, apoptosis, rats