OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of electro-needling at acupoints of the yangming meridian on the expression of platelet associated complement-1 (PAC-1) and lower limb functions in acute cerebral infarction (ACI) patients.

METHODS58 ACI patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group and the control group. Conventional therapies were given to all patients. Additionally, the electro-needling at acupoints of the yangming meridian was given to patients in the treatment group. Changes of PAC-1 were detected using flow cytometry. Effect of lower limbs functions of ACI patients before and after electro-needling was assessed using Fugl-Meyer Index. Meanwhile, 20 healthy subjects were selected for reference value.

RESULTSIn the acute stage, the PAC-1 level in ACI patients were significantly higher than that in healthy subjects (P<0.05). The PAC-1 level in the electro-needling group was obviously lowered after treatment (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the control group between before and after treatment. Significant difference was found in Fugl-Meyer index in the same group between before and after two-week treatment (P<0.05). It was higher in the electro-needling group than in the control group, showing significant difference (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSPlatelet activation exists in the acute stage of ACI. Electro-needling at acupoints of the yangming meridian showed obvious inhibition on PAC-1 levels, could improve lower limbs functions of ACI patients. It was inferred that electro-needling at acupoints of the yangming meridian promoted the recovery of paralyzed lower limbs at the early stage mainly by regulating PAC-1 levels, thus postponing the progress of ACI.