OBJECTIVETo observe and compare the effects of acupuncture in combination of mild hypothermia therapy on the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax.

METHODSFifty rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e., the control group, the model group, the acupuncture group, the mild hypothermia group, and the combination group (acupuncture in combination of mild hypothermia therapy), 10 in each group. Focal cerebral ischemia model was prepared with modified Longa's suture method. The effects of acupuncture, the mild hypothermia, and the acupuncture in combination of mild hypothermia therapy on the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax were observed. The indices were detected using immunohistochemical assay.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the expression of Bcl-2 in the model groups significantly decreased (P < 0.01), and the expression of Bax significantly increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of Bcl-2 in the three treatment groups significantly increased (P < 0.01) and the expression of Bax significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Compared with the acupuncture group and the mild hypothermia group, the expression of Bcl-2 significantly increased and the expression of Bax significantly decreased in the combination group (both P < 0.01). Compared with the mild hypothermia group, increased expression of Bcl-2 and decreased expression of Bax in the acupuncture group were not obvious (P > 0.05). There was insignificant difference in the therapeutic efficacy between the acupuncture group and the mild hypothermia group.

CONCLUSIONSBoth acupuncture and the mild hypothermia therapy could increase the expression of Bcl-2 and decrease the expression of Bax, intervene cerebral ischemia, and protect neurons. In the early cerebral ischemia/reperfusion stage, it is necessary to perform acupuncture and mild hypothermia therapy as soon as possible.