Electroacupuncture promotes the proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells and oligodendrocytes in the injured spinal cord of adult rats☆

Neural Regen Res, 2012 · DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.15.003 · Published: May 1, 2012

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of electroacupuncture to promote the proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells (eNSCs) and oligodendrocytes in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). The aim is to explore electroacupuncture as a method to enhance remyelination and functional recovery after SCI. Electroacupuncture involves applying a trace pulse current to needles inserted into acupuncture points. The study examines how this stimulation affects the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and the overall recovery of the injured spinal cord. The research compares rats with SCI that receive electroacupuncture treatment to those that do not, focusing on the number of BrdU+/NG2+ cells (indicating proliferating neural stem cells and oligodendrocytes) in the spinal cord tissue near the injury site.

Study Duration

October 2011

Participants

30 Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Electroacupuncture significantly increased the number of BrdU-positive cells (indicating cell proliferation) in rats with SCI, particularly at spinal cord tissue 15 mm away from the injury center in both rostral and caudal directions.
2
The number of BrdU+/NG2+ cells, which represent proliferating oligodendrocytes, was significantly greater in the electroacupuncture group compared to the SCI group, especially at remote segments (R-15 mm and C-15 mm) from the injury center.
3
Rats treated with electroacupuncture showed higher Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scores at 2-4 weeks following SCI, indicating improved motor function compared to the SCI group.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates that electroacupuncture promotes the proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells (eNSCs) and oligodendrocytes in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). The results suggest that electroacupuncture can enhance spontaneous regeneration after neurological injuries. Electroacupuncture treatment at Huantiao and Huatuojiaji acupoints significantly increases the number of BrdU+ cells and NG2+ OPCs in the injured spinal cord, indicating increased cell proliferation and oligodendrogenesis. The improved BBB scores in the electroacupuncture group suggest that electroacupuncture could be used to promote remyelination and recovery of function after SCI, offering a potential therapeutic approach for spinal cord injuries.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Electroacupuncture may serve as a cheaper and less invasive alternative to stem cell transplantation for promoting oligodendrocyte development and spinal cord repair.

Clinical Translation

The study supports further research into activity-based recovery therapies using electroacupuncture for individuals with SCI, potentially augmenting spontaneous repair and neurological function recovery.

Regeneration Enhancement

Electroacupuncture enhances cell generation in the injured adult rat spinal cord. This effect on endogenous cell regeneration may partially mediate recovery after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of electroacupuncture are still under investigation.
2
The study focuses on a specific contusion SCI model in rats, and results may not be directly applicable to other types of SCI or other species.
3
The long-term effects of electroacupuncture on spinal cord regeneration and functional recovery were not fully explored in this study.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury