The effect of EA and TENS on GAP-43 Expression in the Spinal Cord after Rat Sciatic Nerve Crush Injury

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation(TENS) after sciatic nerve crush injury in rats. Methods: The EA for experimental group Ⅰ(Exp Ⅰ, n=15) and TENS for experimental group Ⅱ (Exp Ⅱ, n=15) was applied from post-injury day(PD) 1 to 14 after sciatic nerve injury using low frequency stimulator that gave electrical stimulation(15min/60Hz). in order to observe the effect of EA and TENS, this study examined GAP-43 expression in rat lumbar spinal cord at the PD1, PD7 and PD!4. In addition, the stride length(SL) and toe out angle(TOA) were measured at the PD 7 and PD14. Results: Exp Ⅰand ExpⅡ had higher GAP-43 immunoreactivity than control gorup(PD 1, 7, 14). The SL of Exp Ⅰand ExpⅡ were significantly higher than control group(PD7, 14). The TOA of Exp Ⅰand ExpⅡ were significantly lower than control group(PD7, 14). Conclusion: EA and TNS application increased motor nerve recovery and expression of GAP-43 immunoreactivity after sciatic nerve crush injury. Therefore effect of TENS and EA had similar effect on nerve regeneration and functional recovery.