Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on the expression of spinal glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)

tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) in chronic constriction injury(CCI) rats.Methods Seventy-two SD rats were randomized into sham operation(sham)

CCI(model) and EA groups(n=24/group).The mechanical and thermal pain thresholds were measured by using Von Frey filaments and radiant-heat irridiation separately.The immunoactivity of GFAP of spinal dorsal horn(L4-L5) was assessed by immunohistochemistry

and the expression of spinal TNF-α mRNA and IL-1β mRNA was detected by real time-PCR.Results Compared with pre-CCI and sham group

both mechanical and thermal pain thresholds decreased considerably in rats with CCI(P<0.05)

and in comparison with model group

those of EA group increased markedly(P<0.05).Compared with sham group

GFAP immunoactivity(mainly in the lamina Ⅰ-Ⅱ of the spinal dorsal horn)

TNF-α mRNA and IL-1β mRNA expression in the ipsilateral spinal cord on the CCI side in model group increased consi-derably(P<0.05)

while compared with model group

the expression of GFAP

TNF-α mRNA and IL-1β mRNA in EA group was down-regulated remarkably(P<0.05).Conclusion EA can effectively suppress CCI-induced up-regulation of expression of spinal GFAP

TNF-α mRNA and IL-1β mRNA

which may contribute to its effect in reducing mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in neuropathic pain rats.