Effect of Electro-acupuncture on the Expression of Slit2 and HSPGs in Rats with Focal Cerebral Infarction

Objective To determine the expression of Slit2 and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) in cortex of rats with focal cerebral infarction and the effect of acupuncture (EA) on the expression of Slit2 and HSPGs. Methods 40 male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were equally randomized into four groups：Control group，model group，non-acupoint EA group，and EA group. Thread-tying method was used in the model group, non-acupoint EA group and EA group to clog arteries and then open up after 1.5 h. Morphology changes of tissues around the infarction area were observed 14 days later by Nissl staining. The expressions of Slit2 and HSPGs in the ischemic brain tissues were detected by indirect immunofluorescence staining (IF) and Western blot (WB). Results Modified neurologicalseverity scores (mNSS) showed zero in the control group, lower than the score of EA group. The EA group had lower mNSS score than the non-acupoint group. The highest mNSS score appeared in the model group. Paired comparisons showed statistical differences （ P<0.01）. Nissl’s staining showed that EA group had increased Nissl bodies in alignment; non-acupoint EA group had increased and disordered Nissl bodies; model group had decreased and disordered Nissl bodies with edema in the brain. IF and WB showed that non-acupoint EA group had higher levels of Slit2 and HSPGs than model group ( P<0.05); EA group had higher levels of Slit2 and HSPGs than non-acupoint EA group ( P<0.05); model group had higher levels of Slit2 and HSPGs than control group ( P<0.05). The results of Nissl’s staining, IF and WB were consistent. Conclusion EA can enhance the expressions of Slit2 and HSPGs. This may be one of the mechanisms of EA promoting recovery of neural functions after cerebral infarction.