[Effects of electroacupuncture at different frequencies on morphological changes of nervous tissues and electromyogram of skeletal muscles in the rat with injury of sciatic nerve].

OBJECTIVE

To observe effects of electroacupuncture of different frequencies on morphological changes of nervous tissues and electromyogram (EMG) of skeletal muscles in regeneration,so as to find more proper parameters of electroacupuncture.

METHODS

The nerve regeneration chamber was built after the sciatic nerve was transected, and acupuncture was given at "Huantiao" (GB 30) , "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) at the affected side with different frequencies (5 Hz, 100 Hz), 30 min each time,once every other day, 3 time each week, for 20 weeks and a control group was set up for natural recovery. The nerve fibers were stained by silver dying and ultrastructures of nerve tissues were observed. EMG of gastrocnemius was determined by Biopac physiologic apparatus.

RESULTS

Electroacupuncture could promote the recovery of form of nerve tissues after the transection of sciatic nerve and functions of de-innervated muscle tissues after lesion of sciatic nerve, and the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture at 5 Hz was the best.

CONCLUSION

Electroacupuncture is an important way of promoting the regeneration of the lessoned peripheral nerve.