Electroacupuncture improves microcirculation and neuronal morphology in the spinal cord of a rat model of intervertebral disc extrusion

This study investigates how electroacupuncture affects spinal cord injury repair in rats with intervertebral disc extrusion. The focus is on microcirculation, often overlooked in spinal cord injury research, alongside neuronal morphology and function. A rat model was created to mimic intervertebral disc extrusion by inserting a silica gel pad. Electroacupuncture was administered at specific points (Zusanli and Neiting) for two weeks, and the effects on blood flow, vessel density, and neurons were examined. The results showed that electroacupuncture improved blood flow in the spinal cord, increased microvessel density, and led to a higher number of healthy neurons. Additionally, the rats' hindlimb motor function improved, indicating a positive impact on neurological recovery.

• 1
  Electroacupuncture significantly increased blood flow in the L1 segment of the spinal cord in rats with intervertebral disc extrusion.
• 2
  Electroacupuncture increased spinal cord microvessel density in the T13 spinal cord segment in a rat model of intervertebral disc extrusion.
• 3
  Electroacupuncture increased the number of normal neurons in the ventral spinal cord in a rat model of intervertebral disc extrusion, indicating neuroprotective effects.