EA Improves the Motor Function in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury by Inhibiting Signal Transduction of Semaphorin3A and Upregulating of the Peripheral Nerve Networks

Neural Plasticity, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8859672 · Published: November 21, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how electroacupuncture (EA) affects the recovery of motor function after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats, focusing on the interaction between peripheral nerve networks (PNNs) and semaphorin3A (Sema3A). The research found that after SCI, motor neurons decreased, and PNNs and Sema3A aggregated around the spinal cord. Reducing Sema3A expression led to decreased PNN concentration and improved motor function. EA stimulation on specific acupoints reversed the upregulation of Sema3A and NRP1 post-SCI, lessening PNN accumulation and promoting motor function recovery, suggesting EA's potential to influence PNN plasticity.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Healthy adult male SD rats (eight weeks old, 200–220 g body weight)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
SCI leads to a decrease in motor neurons and aggregation of PNNs and Sema3A around the spinal cord.
2
Knocking down Sema3A expression at the injury site reduces PNN concentration and promotes motor function recovery.
3
EA stimulation reverses the upregulation of Sema3A and NRP1, reducing PNN accumulation and promoting motor function recovery.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on motor function recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats, focusing on the interaction between peripheral nerve networks (PNNs) and semaphorin3A (Sema3A). The findings indicate that SCI leads to decreased motor neurons and increased aggregation of PNNs and Sema3A. Reducing Sema3A expression or applying EA can mitigate these effects and promote motor function recovery. EA stimulation at Jiaji acupoints reverses Sema3A and NRP1 upregulation, reduces PNN accumulation, and enhances motor function, suggesting a mechanism by which EA influences PNN plasticity via Sema3A signaling.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Intervention

EA at Jiaji points can be used as a therapeutic intervention to improve motor function recovery post-SCI.

Mechanism Understanding

The study provides insights into the mechanism of EA's action on SCI, specifically its influence on PNN plasticity through Sema3A signaling.

Targeted Therapies

Targeting Sema3A signaling may offer new avenues for developing therapies to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The precise mechanism of the negative correlation between PNNs and motor function recovery post-SCI remains to be further explored.
2
Study is limited to rats, and results may not be directly applicable to humans.
3
Long-term effects of EA treatment were not fully evaluated.

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