这可能是电针刺激促进周围神经再生机理的一方面Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on NGF level in the injured facial nerve regeneration chamber in the rabbits. Methods: Facial nerve injury was induced by transectioning the upper buccal branch of the facial nerve about 5 mm in length that was then fixed in a 12 mm long silica gel tube (chamber). 50 facial nerve injury rabbits were randomized into control and EA groups
with 25 cases in each group. EA (18~20 Hz
1.5 V
30 min/time) was applied to "Yifeng" (TE 17)
"Dicang" (ST 4) to "Jiache" (ST 6) and "Hegu" (LI 4)
once daily
continuously for 3~14 days. EA and control groups were respectively divided into 3 d
5 d
7 d
10 d
14 d subgroups. The fluids samples accumulated in the chamber were collected at different postoperative intervals: 3 d
5 d
7 d
10 d
14 d for detecting NGF content using double antibody Sandwiched ELISA. Results: In 7 d control and EA subgroups
NGF levels peaked
and decreased in 10 d and 14 d control subgroups
suggesting that EA can maintain the higher secretion level. NGF contents of the 5 EA subgroups particularly 10 d and 14 d subgroups ( P <0.01) were all higher or significantly higher than those of the corresponding 5 control subgroups
indicating that EA treatment can potentiate the secretion of NGF of the injured facial nerve and the effect of EA peaked on the 10 th day. In 7 d control and EA subgroups
NGF levels peaked
and decreased in 10 d and 14 d control subgroups
suggesting that EA can maintain the higher secretion level. Conclusion: Electroacupuncture therapy can promote the secretion of NGF of the injured nerve which may contribute to the effect of acupuncture in promoting the regeneration of the injured nerve.