Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on modified neurological severity score(mNSS)

cerebral infarction volume

expression of Lim domain kinase-1(LIMK1) and slingshot homolog-1(SSH1) proteins

Cofilin rod formation and neural cell apoptosis in rats with ischemic stroke(IS)

so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of IS. Methods Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal

model and EA groups

with 13 rats in each group. The IS model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery(MCAO) according to Zea Longa's method. EA was applied to “Quchi”(LI11) and “Zusanli”(ST36) for 30 min

once a day for 7 consecutive days. The behavioral changes of mNSS were observed before and after modeling. The volume of cerebral infarction was measured by using a small animal magnetic resonance imaging. The protein expressions of LIMK1 and SSH1 in the cerebral ischemic tissues were detected by Western blot. The density of Cofilin rod and neural cell apoptosis in cerebral ischemic area were determined by immunofluorescence staining and TUNEL staining

separately. Results After modeling

the mNSS score

cerebral infarction volume ratio

expression level of SSH1

density of Cofilin rod and the number of apoptotic cells were significantly increased(P<0.01)

while the expression level of LIMK1 protein was obviously decreased in the model group relevant to the normal group(P<0.01). After 7 days' treatment

all the increased and decreased levels of the indexes mentioned above were reversed in the EA group relevant to the model group(P<0.01

P<0.05). Conclusion EA of LI11 and ST36 can improve neurological function and reduce infarction range in MCAO rats

which may be related to its action in regulating the expression of LIMK1 and SSH1

inhibiting the formation of Cofilin rod and reducing apoptosis of neural cells.