Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)at"Weizhong"(BL40)on histopathological changes and expression of extracellular matrix(ECM)component CollagenⅠ

matrix metalloproteinases 2(MMP2)

MyoD and Pax7 proteins of lumbar muscle tissues in rats with lumbar multifidus muscle injury(LMMI)

so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in improving muscular injury.Methods A total of 24 male SD rats were equally randomized into blank control

model and EA groups.The LMMI model was established by injection of 0.5% Bupivacaine(100!L/point)into bilateral multifidus muscles of lumbar 4 and 5(4 points).EA(2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency

1-2 mA)was applied to BL40 for 20 min

once a day for 3 days.The morphological changes of the left lumbar multifidus muscle were observed under microscope after H.E.and Masson staining

and the expression of Collagen Ⅰ

MMP2

MyoD and Pax7 of the right lumbar multifidus muscle was determined by Western blot.Results H.E.staining showed large areas of degeneration and necrosis of muscle fibers

and vacuolar structure formed by degradation of muscle fibers in the model group

and newborn juvenile muscle fibers with different diameters in the EA group.Masson staining showed a large number of morphologically damaged muscle fibers and blue stained collagen fibers in the model group

and significantly reduced collagen fibers as well as new muscle fibers with uneven diameters in the EA group.The expression levels of CollagenⅠ

MMP2 and MyoD proteins were significantly up-regulated(P<0.01

P<0.05)

and that of Pax7 was considerably down-regulated in the model group relative to the control group(P<0.01).After EA intervention

the expression levels of CollagenⅠ was significantly down-regulated(P<0.01)

and those of MMP2

MyoD and Pax7 proteins were obviously or further obviously up-regulated in the EA group compared with the model group(P<0.01

P<0.05).Conclusion EA at BL40 can reduce the degree of skeletal muscle fibrosis to promote the regeneration of the injured multifidus at the early phase

which may be related to its effect in regulating the expression of CollagenⅠ and MMP2 proteins.