Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on the structure basis of nervous plasticity and the recovery mechanism after acute cerebral infarction.MethodsA rat model of focal cerebral ischemia was made by filament occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. The effect of electroacupuncture in Qiansanli and Housanli to a rat's change in infarction tissue, necrosis of neuron and vessel, and the number of synapse.ResultsElectro acupuncture could improve histopathologic indices, increase the number of synapse, and promote the recover of synapse's structure.ConclusionElectro acupuncture can produce a marked protecting effect on the brain in Wistar rats focal cerebral ischemia, regulate the plasticity of cerebral neuron.

Key words: electroacupuncture, cerebral infarction, neuron, synapse, rat