Effect of electrode configuration in electroacupuncture on ischemic stroke treatment in rats

Abstract

Background and aim: This study investigated the effect of the electrode configuration on EA treating ischemic stroke. Experimental procedure: An ischemic stroke rat model was established. In the EA-P group, the anodes of EA were placed on the BL7 and BL8 acupoints of the lesioned, and the cathodes were placed on the BL7 and BL8 acupoints of the nonlesioned hemispheres; by contrast, in the EA-N group. Results: The difference in neurological deficit scores between the first and fourth days and the difference in Rotarod test time between the fourth and first days after reperfusion were greater in the EA-P and EA-N groups than in the sham group (all p 0.05); serum adrenaline and serotonin levels in the sham group were lower than those in the normal and EA-P groups (both p < 0.05), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glutamate levels were higher in the EA-P group than in the sham group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: EA improved neurological function through multiple pathways. However, placing the anode on the lesioned hemisphere can provide more neuroprotection.

Keywords

• Electroacupuncture
• Ischemic stroke
• Electrode configuration
• Neuroprotection