Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on behavior

pathomorphology and brain cell apoptosis in traumatic brain injury(TBI) rats

so as to explore its mechanisms underlying treatment of TBI. Methods Male SD rats were randomly divided into control(n=10)

sham(n=30)

model(n=30) and EA(n=30) groups

the latter three groups were further divided into 3

7

14 d subgroups(n=10). TBI model was established by using a free fall brain injury striking device after exposing the local cranial bone(to induce the left parietal cerebral contusion). Twenty-four hours after modeling

EA(2 Hz

1 mA) was applied at “Quchi”(LI11)

“Neiguan”(PC6)

“Zusanli”(ST36) and “Yongquan”(KI1) combined with acupuncture at “Shuigou”(GV26) and “Baihui”(GV20) for 15 min

once a day for 14 consecutive days. After 3

7

and 14 days treatment

the behavioral function(balance

walking

nerve

and limb retraction) of the rats was evaluated. The histopathological changes of the injured brain tissue were observed by HE staining. TUNEL method was used to detect the apoptosis of cells in the brain injury area. Results After modeling

the scores of balance and walking in the model group were higher than those in the sham group(P

<

0.01

P

<

0.05)

the neurological function score and the right limb retraction force were lower than those in the sham group(P

<

0.01). After 3 days treatment

the neurological function score and the right limb retraction force in the EA group were higher than those in the model group(P

<

0.05). After 7 and 14 days treatment

the scores of balance and walking function in the EA group were lower than those in the model group(P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01)

while the scores of nerve function and right limb retraction force were higher(P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01). HE staining showed that modeling induced pathological changes such as the inflammatory cell infiltration

interstitial edema

necrosis

nuclear pyknosis and nuclear lysis were relatively milder in the EA group on the 7

(th)

and 14(th) and 14

(th)

day. Compared with the sham group

the cell apoptosis of brain injury area was higher in the model group(P

<

0.01); while it was lower on day 7 and 14 in the EA group in comparison with the model group(P

<

0.01

P

<

0.05). Conclusion EA can improve the behavioral function

reduce the apoptosis of brain cells in the injured area

and promote the rehabilitation of craniocerebral injury.