[Effect of electroacupuncture on expression of spinal neuronal nitric oxide synthase protein and mRNA in rats with neuropathic pain].

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) protein and mRNA in the spinal cord in rats with chronic constrictive injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve so as to explore its mechanisms underlying pain relief.

Methods: Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation (control) group (n = 12), CCI model group (n = 12) and EA group (n = 12). EA was applied to bilateral "Weizhong" (BL 40) and "Huan-tiao" (GB 30) on the injured side for 30 min, once a day for 7 days (from the 11th day on after CCI).

[Effect of electroacupuncture on the levels of amino acid neurotransmitters in the spinal cord in rats with chronic constrictive injury].

Objective: To observe the changes of amino acid neurotransmitter contents in the lumbar spinal cord after electroacupuncture (EA) in rats with neuropathic pain so as to study its spinal mechanism underlying pain relief.

Methods: Forty SD rats were randomly divided into control, sham surgery, model and EA groups (n=10). Chronic constrictive injury (CCI) (neuropathic pain) model was duplicated by ligature of the right sciatic nerve with a piece of catgut.