Objective To observe the effect of acupotomy intervention on the expressions of biglycan(BGN)

decorin(DCN) and Caspase-3 in lumbar intervertebral disc of rabbits with lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration(LIDD)

so as to explore its possible mechanism in relieving LIDD. Methods Thirty male Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into normal

model and acupotomy groups

with 10 rabbits in each group. The LIDD model was established by axial compression method

and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) was used to judge whether the model was successful or not. After modeling

the acupotomy was applied to lumbar(L)4—L5 spinous process space and bilateral transverse processes for loosening

twice a week for 4 weeks. The structural changes of L4—L5 intervertebral disc were observed by MRI. The morphological changes of lumbar spine were observed by HE staining. The expression of Caspase-3 in nucleus pulposus was observed by immunohistochemistry

and the protein expressions of DCN and BGN in intervertebral disc were detected by Western blot

separatively. Results After mode-ling

the rabbits showed slow movement

stiff back muscles with cords or nodules

the fibrous ring structure of lumbar intervertebral disc was disordered

the number of nucleus pulposus cells was reduced

and the signal intensity of L4—L5 intervertebral disc was decreased in the model group relevant to the normal group. At the same time

the expression of Caspase-3 in nucleus pulposus was increased significantly(P<0.05)

and the expression levels of DCN and BGN in intervertebral disc were decreased significantly(P<0.05). After acupotomy treatment

the modeling induced slow movement

stiff back muscles and disordered structure of lumbar intervertebral disc were significantly improved. The number of nucleus pulposus cells was increased

the signal intensity of L4—L5 intervertebral disc was enhanced

the expression of Caspase-3 in nucleus pulposus was decreased significantly(P<0.05)

and the expression levels of DCN and BGN in intervertebral disc were increased significantly(P<0.05) compared with the model group. Conclusion Acupotomy intervention can inhibit cell apoptosis

reduce the degradation of extracellular matrix in nucleus pulposus of intervertebral disc

and restore the normal force balance and dynamic balance of lumbar spine

which may be one of its mechanisms underlying improving LIDD.