Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on motor function

serum Cystatin C(Cys C) content

and expressions of tumour necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) in renal tissue of rats with acute cerebral infarction(ACI)

so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in protecting renal tissue after ACI. Methods Seventy-two male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation

model and EA groups which were further randomly allocated to 1 d

3 d

7 d and 14 d subgroups(n=6 per subgroup). The ACI model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery(MCAO). Rats of the EA group received EA of “Neiguan”(PC6) and “Zusanli”(ST36) for 30 min

once daily for 1

3

7 and 14 days

respectively. The motor function and content of Cys C were determined on the 1

(st)

3(st)

3

(rd)

7(rd)

7

(th)

and 14(th) and 14

(th)

day after ACI. The expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the sham operation group

the motor function scores and the content of Cys C increased significantly on the 1(th) day after ACI. The expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the sham operation group

the motor function scores and the content of Cys C increased significantly on the 1

(st)

3(st)

3

(rd)

7(rd)

7

(th)

and 14(th) and 14

(th)

d(P

<

0.01)

while the numbers of TNF-α and NF-κB positive cells of the model group increased significantly on the 3(th) d(P

<

0.01)

while the numbers of TNF-α and NF-κB positive cells of the model group increased significantly on the 3

(rd)

7(rd)

7

(th)

and 14(th) and 14

(th)

d(P

<

0.01). After EA treatment

the motor function scores and the content of Cys C on the 7(th) d(P

<

0.01). After EA treatment

the motor function scores and the content of Cys C on the 7

(th)

and 14(th)

and 14

(th)

d

and the numbers of TNF-α and NF-κB positive cells on the 3(th) d

and the numbers of TNF-α and NF-κB positive cells on the 3

(rd)

7(rd)

7

(th)

and 14(th) and 14

(th)

d obviously decreased(P

<

0.05). Conclusion EA at PC6 and ST36 can improve motor function and alleviate renal injury in ACI rats

possibly by regulating the expression of TNF-α

NF-κB in renal tissue and Cys C in serum.