[Effect of electroacupuncture on expression of IFN-gamma-like immunoreactive substance in spinal cord of the rat ].
OBJECTIVE
To observe effect of electroacupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36) on expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-like immunoreactive substance in spinal cord of the rat and to probe the mechanism.


METHODS
The IFN-gamma-like immunoreactive positive cell number in spinal cord of the rat was investigated with immunohistochemical SP method and microscopy.


RESULTS
After electroacupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36), IFN-gamma-like immunoreactive positive cell number in the spinal cord of the rat with electroacupuncture plus immunosuppression did not significantly change (P > 0.05). The number of positive cells in the dorsal horn in the rats with immunosuppression was significantly less than that in the normal control group (P < 0.05) with no significant change in other parts and with no significant difference between the electroacupuncture group and the control group (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Electroacupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36) can increase expression of IFN-gamma-like immunoreactive substance in spinal cord of the rat, and acupuncture activates the nerve-immunoregulative network possibly by IFN-gamma as medium.
Hu
Ge
G
Department of Animal Science and Technology, Beijing Agricultural College, Beijing 102206, China.
Yang
Zuo-Jun
ZJ
Duan
Hui-Qin
HQ
Gao
Li-Yun
LY
Mu
Xiang
X
Li
Yu-Liang
YL
D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000818:Animals; D015671:Electroacupuncture; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D051381:Rats; D013116:Spinal Cord
D007371:Interferon-gamma