It is well known that neuroplasticity occurs in the central nervous system in response to injury. Electroacupuncture (EA) may also promote neuroplasticity. But little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms for the beneficial effects of EA. This study investigated the effects of EA on neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) expression in L-6 spinal dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and associated segments of the spinal dorsal horn in cats subjected to unilateral removal of L-1-L-5 and L-7-S-2 DRG. NT-4 protein was normally present in the cytoplasm of the L-6 DRG neurons and L-3 and L-6 spinal dorsal horn neurons and glia. Adjacent ganglionectomy leads to a significant decrease in NT-4 expression in the 4 DRG, but no change in the spinal dorsal horn. Following EA treatment a significant increase occurred in the L-6 DRG at 14 days post-operation (dpo) as well as the L-6 cord segment at 7 and 14 dpo. These findings pointed to a possible association between NT-4 expression and EA promoted spinal cord plasticity in adult cats subjected to partial ganglionectomy. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
[1]Kunming Med Coll, Expt Ctr Med Sci, Kunming 650031, Peoples R China.
[2]Kunming Med Coll, Inst Neurosci, Kunming 650031, Peoples R China.
[3]Anhui Prov Hosp, Cadres Ward, Hefei 230001, Peoples R China.
[4]Kunming Childrens Hosp, Ctr Nerve Electrophysiol, Kunming 650034, Peoples R China.
[5]Weifang Med Coll, Dept Nursing, Weifang 261042, Peoples R China.
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