Mild Mechanic Stimulate on Acupoints Regulation of CGRP-Positive Cells and Microglia Morphology in Spinal Cord of Sciatic Nerve Injured Rats

Front. Integr. Neurosci., 2019 · DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2019.00058 · Published: November 14, 2019

Simple Explanation

This study explores how mild mechanical stimulation on acupuncture points affects nerve recovery in rats with sciatic nerve injuries. The method, known as Chinese tuina, has been used for over 2,000 years. The researchers used a rat model of sciatic nerve crush injury, applying Chinese tuina daily for 20 days. They then assessed hindlimb recovery and examined nerve cells, CGRP-positive cells, and microglia in the injured area. The findings suggest that tuina intervention can increase the survival of motor neurons, alleviate swelling of CGRP-positive cells, and reduce microglia activation compared to a control group.

Study Duration

20 days

Participants

64 male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Sciatic nerve injury reduces the survival rate of motor neurons, impacts CGRP-positive cells, and activates microglia in the spinal cord's ventral horn.
2
Tuina intervention increased the survival of spinal ventral horn motor neurons in the injured rats.
3
Tuina intervention alleviates swelling in CGRP-positive cells and reduces microglia activation.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of mild mechanical stimulation on acupuncture points (Chinese tuina) on nerve regeneration following sciatic nerve injury in rats. The results showed that tuina intervention improved the survival of motor neurons, alleviated swelling of CGRP-positive cells, and decreased microglia activation in the spinal cord. The study concludes that mild acupuncture intervention can improve neurofibrillary axoplasmic transport, regulate microglia activation, and promote sciatic nerve injury recovery.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential of Tuina

Tuina may be a viable therapeutic approach for promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injuries.

Understanding Mechanisms

The study provides insights into the mechanisms by which tuina affects nerve regeneration, specifically related to CGRP-positive cells and microglia activation.

Optimizing Acupuncture Point Selection

The selection of specific acupuncture points (Yinmen, Chengshan, and Yang-lingquan) may be crucial for maximizing the therapeutic effects of tuina.

Study Limitations

1
The statistical FG-labeled motor neurons were limited to the number of neurons positive in the same field of view.
2
Further research is needed to analyze the secreted and activated products of microglia activation quantitatively.
3
The study only focused on morphological changes and did not investigate the molecular mechanisms in detail.

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