[Effects of Yiqi Huayu Recipe on neural cell adhesion molecule in rats with lumbar nerve root compression].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of Yiqi Huayu Recipe on neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) in neuromuscular junctions during nerve regeneration in rats with lumbar nerve root compression.


METHODS
The rats with lumbar nerve root compression were given Yiqi Huayu Recipe for 10, 20 and 30 days respectively. The distribution of N-CAM in neuromuscular junctions of soleus muscle in rats was examined with immunohistochemical method and confocal laser scanning microscopy technique. The acetylcholine receptor (AChR) was visualized with fluorescein-conjugated alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BTX). The overlap areas of N-CAM and AChR sites were measured with NIH image technique.


RESULTS
The aggregates, sprouts and extensions of N-CAM in the neuromuscular junctions and the overlap areas of N-CAM and AChR sites in the Yiqi Huayu Recipe-treated group were all better improved than those in the untreated group.


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of N-CAM is regulated according to the state of innervation for muscles. Yiqi Huayu Recipe may accelerate this nerve regeneration process.
Zhou
Chong-Jian
CJ
Institute of Spinal Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China. zhouchongjian011@163.com
Ma
Ying-Hui
YH
Shu
Bing
B
Wang
Yong-Jun
YJ
Shi
Qi
Q
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000378:metabolism*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D019006:Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000378:metabolism; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D019006:Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic