Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) of Governor Vessel(GV) on the expressions of glutamate decarboxylase 67(GAD67) and γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase(GABA-T) in the cerebral cortex of rats with post-stroke limb spasticity

so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of limb spasticity. Methods Twenty four male SD rats were randomly and equally divided into control

sham operation

model

and EA groups. The cerebral ischemia model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery(MCAO). EA(100 Hz

1—3 mA) was applied to “Dazhui”(GV14)

“Jizhong”(GV6) and “Houhui”( anteromedial of transverse process of the sixth lumbar vertebra) for 30 min

once daily for 7 consecutive days. The neurologic deficit score(0—5 points) was evaluated according to Zea Longa's method

and the muscular tension severity(0—5 points) was assessed according to the modified Ashworth muscle tone rating scale

and the tension signals of the quadriceps ferroris of the affected limb were recorded using tonotransducer and BL-420 F electrophysiological recorder. The expression levels of GAD67 and GABA-T proteins and mRNAs in the cerebral cortex were detected by immunohistochemistry

fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot

separately. Results After modeling

the neurological deficit score

muscle tone score

and the expression levels of GABA-T mRNA and protein in cerebral cortex were significantly increased(P<0.01

P<0.05)

tension signal value and the expression levels of GAD67 mRNA and protein in cerebral cortex were significantly decreased(P<0.01) in the model group relevant to the control and sham operation groups. Following the intervention

the neurological deficit score

muscle tone score

and expression levels of GABA-T mRNA and protein in cerebral cortex were significantly decreased(P<0.01)

tension signal value and the expression levels of GAD67 mRNA and protein in cerebral cortex were significantly increased(P<0.01

P<0.05) in the EA group in contrast to the model group. Conclusion EA stimulation of Governor Vessel can ameliorate the limb spasticity symptom in MCAO rats

which may be associated with its functions in increasing the expressions of GAD67 protein and mRNA and inhibiting the expressions of GABA-T protein and mRNA

thereby playing the inhibitory role of GABA.