Real-Time Monitoring Of Potential Effects Of Neuroprotection By Acupuncture In Global Ischemic Model Of Hyperglycemic Rats

Acupuncture is known to be effective in ischemia treatment, and glutamate excitotoxicity is an important factor in neuronal cell death. We observed the effect of acupuncture on cerebral blood flow and Delta glutamate in the ischemic stroke rat model of hyperglycemia. A global ischemia was induced using the eleven vessel occlusion method in ten Sprague-Dawley rats: the control group and the acupuncture-treatment group. Extracellular Delta glutamate was assessed using an intra-cerebral biosensor system measuring 256-Hz sampling frequency, simultaneously with cerebral blood flow and electroencephalogram. Acupuncture stimulation was applied to acupuncture points, Yang Tomb Spring (GB34) and Suspended Bell (GB39) during the ischemic period. 23 diagnostic parameters were proposed first for a detailed analysis of changes in cerebral blood flow and glutamate release during ischemia and reperfusion. Acupuncture rats showed a significant decrease in ischemic (p < 0.05) and reperfusion cerebral blood flows (p < 0.0001) than control rats, and a significantly larger decrease in ischemic Delta glutamate (p < 0.05) and peak level of reperfusion Delta glutamate (p < 0.005) than control rats. From these results, we suggest that acupuncture stimulation is responsible for the potential protection of neurons through suppression of %cerebral blood flow response in the increased plasma osmolality and extracellular Delta glutamate in diabetic rats under ischemic conditions.