Shallow needling on Neiguan and Gongsun acupoints in rats with brain ischemia: Changes in apoptosis regulating genes and vasoactive substances

摘要

For the treatment of brain ischemia using acupuncture, the needle is predominantly inserted into muscular layers and deep tissue. However, few studies have investigated the outcomes of shallow needling. The present study established middle cerebral artery occlusion models in rats using the thrombosis method. Shallow needling and conventional needling at the bilateral Neiguan (PC 6) and Gongsun (SP 4) acupoints improved neurological function of middle cerebral artery occlusion rats, increased the expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, inhibited the expression of the pro-apoptotic Bax, and reduced the expression of the vasoactive substances nitric oxide synthase and endothelin-1. However, these changes were more pronounced in the shallow needling group, indicating that shallow needling is more effective in inhibiting brain ischemic injury.