Electroacupuncture Improves the Motor Function in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury by Regulating UCN2‑Mediated cAMP‑PKA Signaling in the Spinal Cord Microenvironment

Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10571-025-01537-1 · Published: February 11, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to motor and sensory issues. This study explores electroacupuncture's (EA) potential to aid recovery by targeting a specific protein, UCN2. EA, a form of acupuncture combined with electrical stimulation, was applied to rats with SCI. The study observed improvements in motor function and changes in the spinal cord microenvironment. The research suggests EA can improve motor skills after a spinal cord injury by influencing the UCN2 protein and related signaling pathways, which in turn affects inflammation and nerve cell health.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

SD rats (8–10 weeks old)

Evidence Level

Animal study

Key Findings

1
EA treatment significantly improved behavioral scores and hind-limb locomotion in rats with SCI at 7, 14, and 28 days post-injury.
2
EA modulated the number of astrocytes and microglia around the injury site, inhibited neuronal apoptosis, and increased the number of myelin sheaths and neurofilaments (NF).
3
EA regulated UCN2 expression and activated the downstream cAMP-PKA signaling pathway, which is linked to improvements in motor function recovery.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats, focusing on the role of urocortin 2 (UCN2) and the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway. EA treatment improved hind-limb motor function, regulated the levels of astrocytes, microglia, neurons, myelin sheaths, and neurofilaments, and modulated UCN2 expression. The findings suggest that EA's therapeutic effects on SCI involve the modulation of the UCN2-mediated cAMP-PKA signaling pathway, which promotes neuronal survival and regeneration, ultimately leading to improved motor function recovery.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

EA shows promise as a complementary therapy for SCI, potentially improving motor function recovery.

Molecular Target

UCN2 and the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway are identified as potential therapeutic targets for SCI treatment.

Clinical Application

The study provides a scientific basis for the clinical use of EA in treating SCI, suggesting it may facilitate neuronal rehabilitation.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The spinal cord hemisection injury model may not fully represent the complexity of human SCI.
3
Further in vitro experiments are needed to confirm UCN2 as a potential therapeutic target for SCI.

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