Objective:To observe the effect of small needle-knife lysis on plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)

endothelin(ET)

6-keto-prostaglandin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α)

thromboxane A2(TXA2) contents in rats with experimental third lumbar vertebra transverse process syndrome(TLVTPS)so as to explore its underlying mechanism in clinical treatment.Methods: Forty SD rats were randomly divided into normal control

model

lysis and EA groups.TLVTPS model was established by embedding a piece of gelatin sponge(0.5 cm×0.5 cm) to the transverse process of the 3rd lumbar vertebra under anesthesia.EA(2/100 Hz

1-2 mA) was applied to left "Shenshu"(BL 23)-"Yaoyangguan"(GV 3) for 20 min

once every other day

6 times altogether.For animals of lysis group

the lysis was performed by using a small needle-knife in the induration spot or cord-like region near the incision

once a week and twice altogether.Four weeks later after modeling

plasma CGRP

ET

6-keto-PGF1α and TXA2 contents were detected by using radioimmunoassay and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results: Compared with normal control group

plasma CGRP

ET

TXA2 and 6-keto-PGF1α increased significantly in model group(P<0.01);in comparison with model group

plasma CGRP

TXA2 and 6-keto-PGF1α in both EA and lysis groups decreased considerably(P<0.05

0.01).No significant differences were found between EA and lysis groups in plasma CGRP

ET and 6-keto-PGF1α levels(P>0.05).Conclusion: Both EA and lysis of acupotomology have an adjusting effect on vasoactive substances(CGRP

TXA2 and 6-keto-PGF1α) levels in TLVTPS rats

which may contribute to their effects in improving local blood circulation and relieving soft tissue injury in the treatment of third lumbar vertebra transverse process syndrome.