Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) stimulation of "Huantiao"(GB 30) on the wal-king ability and touch sensation in rabbits with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion(LIDP).Methods Forty New Zealand rabbits were equally randomized into normal control

model

EA-GB 30 and EA-non-acupoint groups.The LIDP model was established by surgical operation under anesthesia.EA(30 Hz/100 Hz

2-4 V

0.5 ms in pulse duration) was applied to bilateral "Huantiao"(GB 30) or non-acupoint.The rabbits' walking ability was assessed according to a 4-points scoring standard: 0 point: complete paralysis;1 point: paralysis with muscular contraction and mild joint movement;2 points: weaker strength of the affected limbs with bradykinesia and instable walking;3 points: able to walk with only interphalangeal joint dyskinesia;4 points: complete recovery.The rabbit's touch sensation was assessed according to another 4-points scoring standard: 0 point: no any response to cotton swab stimulation;1 point: very mild response;2 points: sluggish response;3 points: relatively swifter response but weaker than the healthy limb;4 points: normal.The ultrostructure changes of the sciatic nerve were analyzed by transmission electron microscope.Results Following modeling

the scores for walking ability and touch sensation were significantly reduced in the model

EA-GB 30 and EA-non-acupoint groups(P<0.01).While compared with the model group

both walking ability score and touch sensation score of the EA-GB 30 group were obviously increased(P<0.01)

rather than in the EA-non-acupoint group.Outcomes of the ultrastructure showed that in the model group

extensive onion-like state of the myelin sheath of the sciatic nerve fibers

shrink or disappearance of the axon

kytoplasm edema or lysis of Schwann cells tending to necrosis

and mitochondrium vacuolization of the Schwann cells were found.In the EA-GB 30 group

majority of the nerve fibers and vascular endothelium were normal

with delamination and vacuolization of partial myelin sheath

edema of partial mitochondria and vacuolization of Schwann cells were found.In the EA-non-acupoint group

delamination and twist of partial myelin sheath

Schwann cellular plasma edema and mitochondrial edema of the axon with vacuolization change were found

suggesting a poorer effect of EA of non-acupoint.Conclusion EA-GB 30 can improve LIDP rabbits' walking ability and touch sensation function and reduce ultrastructure of sciatic nerve.