Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)

Polysaccharide of Gastrodia elata Blume(PGB)

and EA+PGB on the expression of Nestin and stem cell factor(SCF)in the frontal lobe cortex around the ischemic loci of cerebral ischemia(CI)rats

so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of CI.Methods A total of 40 SpragueDawley adult rats were randomly divided into normal control

CI model

EA intervention

PGB intervention and EA+PGB groups(n=8in each group).The CI model was prepared by middle cerebral artery occlusion.EA(2Hz

2V)was applied to"Baihui"(GV 20)and left"Zusanli"(ST 36)for 30 min

once daily for 14 days.Rats of the PGB and EA+PGB groups were treated by gastrogavage of PGB at a dose of 100mg/kg

once daily for 14 successive days.The expression of Nestin and SCF in the frontal lobe around the ischemic loci of the frontal lobe was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared with the normal control group

the expression levels of regional cerebral cortical Nestin and SCF proteins were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05).After the treatment

the expression levels of Nestin and SCF were significantly further up-regulated in the EA

PGB and EA+PGB groups in comparison with the model group(P<0.05).Conclusion EA combined with PGB can significantly up-regulate the expression of Nestin and SCF in the frontal lobe around the ischemic loci in cerebral ischemia rats

which may contribute to their function in improving CI.