Effect of Electroacupuncture on mRNA Expression of NGF and IGF-1 in Sciatic Nerve of Diabetic Rats

Objective To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture on diabetic neuropathy,we observed the mRNA expression of NGF and IGF-1 in sciatic nerve of diabetic rats.Methods 115 male SD rats were randomly divided into two groups:blank group(35 rats)and needing model group(80 rats).With streptozotocin(STZ)once intraperitoneal injection in 80 male SD rats,73 rats was duplicated to the diabetic model rats at last.70 diabetic model rats were randomly divided into two groups:electroacupuncture group(35 rats)and model group(35 rats).The electroacupuncture group was treated with electroacupuncture,no treatment in the model group and blank group.The distal part of the sciatic nerve was harvested after 1,2,4,6 and 10 weeks of experiment and stored in the liquid nitrogen.The total RNA was extracted by the Trizol Reagent.Reverse transcripatase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)was used to detected the mRNA expression of NGF and IGF-1.Results The mRNA expression of NGF and IGF-1 in the model group was much lower than that of the blank group respectively(P0.05).They were increased gradually in the electroacupuncture group.At the fourth week end,the mRNA expression of NGF in the electroacupuncture group was much higher than that of the blank group and the model group,respectively(P0.05),and it maintained high level till the tenth week.At the second week end,the mRNA expression of IGF-1 in the electroacupuncture group was much higher than that of the blank group and the model group,respectively(P0.05),and it kept in high level till the tenth week.Conclusion Electroacupuncture can elevate the mRNA expression of NGF and IGF-1 in sciatic nerve of diabetic rat,which may be one of the mechanism of acupuncture on diabetic neuropathy.