Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)at"Dazhui"(GV 14)on the contents of extracellular matrix(ECM)

collagen typeⅡ(COL-Ⅱ)

collagen type V(COL-V)

matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-13

tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase(TIMP)-1in rats with cervicovertebral disc degeneration so as to explore its mechanism underlying relief of intervertebral disc degeneration.Methods A total of 28SD rats were randomly divided into sham group(n=7)

model group(n=7)

EA group(n=7)and medication group(n=7).The model of cervical intervertebral disc degeneration was established by trans-section of the deep neck splenius

the longest muscles of head

neck costocervicalis

head semi-spinatus muscle

supraspinous ligament and interspinal ligaments of cervical 2-7segments

etc.to produce imbalance between the dynamic and static force.EA was applied to"Dazhui"(GV 14)for 30min

once daily for 28days

with a 2days' interval between two courses.Animals of the medication group were treated by oral administration of meloxicam tablets(0.75mg/kg)once daily for 28 days

with a 2days' interval between two courses.Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of ECM

COL-Ⅱ

COL-V

MMP-13and TIMP-1in the cervicovertebral disc tissue.Results Compared with the sham group

the expression levels of ECM and COL-Ⅱproteins in the cervicovertebral disc tissue were significantly decreased in the model group(P<0.01)

while COL-V and MMP-13expression levels in the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01

P<0.05).Compared with the model group

both ECM and COL-Ⅱ expression levels were considerably increased in the EA group and medication group(P<0.01)

while COL-V and MMP-13expression levels were considerably down-regulated(P<0.01

P<0.05).No significant differences were found among the four groups in TIMP-1expression levels(P>0.05).Conclusion EA of"Dazhui"(GV 14) can effectively regulate extracellular matrix system in rats with cervical intervertebral disc degeneration

which is possibly related to its effect in relieving cervical spondylosis.