OBJECTIVETo evaluate effects of Tongnao Huoluo acupuncture therapy (THAT) on Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 rats with acute cerebral infarction (ACI).

METHODSTotally 264 SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e. the THAT group (n =72), the thrombolysis group (n =72), the body acupuncture group (n =72), the ischemia control group (n =24), and the sham-operation group (n =24). Successfully modeled rats were recruited in all groups except the sham-operation group. Rats in the THAT group, the thrombolysis group, and the body acupuncture group were divided into 3 subgroups according to the disease occurrence time, i.e., < or = 1.5 h THAT group, 1.5+ -2 h THAT group, and 2+ -3 h THAT group. The neuroethological scores were assessed at 6, 24, and 72 h after treatment. The expressions of Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 were detected using immunohistochemical staining at 24 and 72 h respectively.

RESULTSIn aspect of improving scores of neurological functions: At 6 h after treatment within 2 h after the disease occurrence, the neuroethological scores were lowered more obviously in the thrombolysis group than in the THAT group (P <0.05). There was statistical difference at 24 and 72 h within 2 - 3 h after the,disease occurrence between the THAT group and the thrombolysis group (P <0.05). Compared with before treatment, there was statistical difference at 24 and 72 h within 3 h after the disease occurrence (P <0. 05, P <0.01). In aspect of lowering the expression of Caspase-3 and elevating the expression of Bcl-2: There was statistical difference in lowering the expression of Caspase-3 and elevating the expression of Bcl-2 between the THAT group and the thrombolysis group at 72 h within 2 -3 after the disease occurrence (P <0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONTHAT showed favorable effects in lowering neuroethological scores, lowering expression of Caspase-3, and elevating the expression of Bcl-2 of ACI rats.