Effects of electro-acupuncture on remyelination of the transected sciatic nerve in rats / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) on remyelination after sciatic nerve was transected in rats, so as to explore the possible mechanism of EA in treatment of peripheral nerve injury. Methods After transection of rat's sciatic nerve, the nerve regeneration chamber was built,then the rats were given EA stimulation at frequencies of 5 Hz and 100 Hz, respectively, and Solochrome Cyanine staining, HE staining of nerve fibers, immunohistochemical staining and semi-quantitative image analysis technique were employed to observe the remyelination of the nerve fibers and S-100 protein expression of Schwann cells. Results EA could significantly promote remyelination of the nerve fibers, elevate S-100 protein expression of Schwann Cells in repairing process of transected sciatic nerve of rats. The therapeutic effect of 5 Hz EA group was better than that of 100 Hz EA group. Conclusion EA is an effective way for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury. It can promote proliferation of Schwann cells and nerve fiber myelination. The therapeutic effects of EA are frequency-depondent.