Scalp acupuncture attenuates neurological deficits in a rat model of hemorrhagic stroke

Background: Hemorrhagic stroke accounts for approximately 15% of all stroke cases, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Limited human studies suggested that scalp acupuncture could facilitate functional recovery after cerebral hemorrhage. In the current study, we used an animal model of cerebral hemorrhage to examine the potential effects of scalp acupuncture. Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received autologous blood (50 mu L) into the right caudate nucleus on the right side under pentobarbital anesthesia, and then received scalp acupuncture (DU20 through GB7 on the lesion side) or sham acupuncture (1 cm to the right side of the acupoints) (n = 10 per group). A group of rats receiving autologous blood into the caudate nucleus but no other intervention, as well as a group of rats receiving anesthesia but no blood injection to the brain (n = 10 per group) were included as additional controls. Composite neuroscore, corner turn test, forelimb placing test, wire hang task and beam walking were used to evaluate the behavior of rats. Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes. Western blot was used to detect the content of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and nuclear factor-KappaB (NF kappa B) protein expression. Results: Scalp acupuncture attenuated neurological deficits (p < 0.01 or < 0.05 vs. sham acupuncture using a variety of behavioral tests) at 1-7 days after the treatment. The brain content of TNF-alpha and NF kappa B was decreased (p < 0.01 for both). Conclusions: Scalp acupuncture could improve neurological deficits in a rat model of hemorrhagic stroke.