Objective To observe the effect of acupotomy therapy on mRNA expressions of Bcl-2

Bax

Caspase-3 in posterior cervical extensor muscles in cervical spondylosis rabbits

and explore its mechanisms for apoptosis of cervical muscles.Methods New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into normal

model

electroacupuncture(EA)and acupotomy groups

6 in each group.The cervical spondylosis model was established by forced head-bowing for a long term.After model establishment

acupotomy was used at the trapezius muscle starting point and attachment site of sternocleidomastoid muscle

etc.

once a week

total 3 times.EA was used at"Tianzhu"(BL 10)

"Jingbailao"(EX-HN 15)and"Dazhu"(BL 11)for 3 weeks

20 min a time

3 times a week.Bcl-2

Bax

Caspase-3 mRNA expressions in posterior cervical extensor muscles were detected by real-time PCR.Results There was no significant difference in the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA among all the groups(P>0.05).Compared with the normal group

Bax mRNA increased in the model group(P<0.01)

and that in the acupotomy group was lower than that in the model group(P<0.01).The ratio of Bcl-2/Bax mRNA in the model group decreased significantly compared with that in the normal group(P<0.01);in comparison with the model group

the ratio in the acupotomy group increased(P<0.01);and that in the acupotomy group was higher than the ratio in the EA group(P<0.05).The Caspase-3 mRNA expression in the model group increased compared with that in the normal group(P<0.05)

and its expression in the acupotomy group decreased compared with those in the model and EA groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Acupotomy therapy can regulate the mRNA expressions of Bax and Caspase-3

and retard apoptosis in posterior cervical extensor muscles

therefore the strained muscles are relieved

which may be one of its mechanisms for improving cervical spondylosis.