细胞平均灰度值明显降低(P <0 .0 1) ;非电针侧较正常组无明显改变 (P >0 .0 5)。结论 :电针对大鼠同侧LC内NOS阳性神经元的表达有上调作用Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression of neurons in locus ceruleus (LC) in rats. Methods: 16 SD rats were evenly randomized into control group and EA group. EA (3 V
2 Hz
wave duration 1 ms) was applied to unilateral “Zusanli"(ST 36) for 30 min. NOS expression was assayed with nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH d) method and measured by using computer image analysis system to detect the optical density value of the stained tissue slices
and morphological changes of NOS positive neurons were observed under light microscope. Results: In animals of control group
most NOS immunoreaction (IR) positive neurons of LC presented moderate density of staining and fewer showed dense and mild staining
while in animals of EA group
NOS IR positive neurons of LC on EA side increased significantly in number in comparison with those of the contralateral side of EA. In addition
on EA side
densely stained neurons in LC increased apparently in number
cellular average optical density value lowered strikingly (P<0.01). No significant differences were found between EA group (non EA side) and control group in IR positive neuron number and the average optical density value (P>0.05). Conclusion: Electroacupuncture of “Zusanli"(ST 36) can upregulate NOS expression of neurons in the ipsilateral LC.