Effect of Electroacupuncture Stimulation Intensity on Neurological Function Recovery After Stroke via Autophagy Regulation

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the effects of different electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation intensities on neurological functional recovery and autophagy-related protein expression after ischemic stroke in rats.

Methods

Forty male Sprague Dawley rats underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and were randomized into four groups (n = 10): an MCAO control group and three EA treatment groups receiving 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mA stimulation at “Baihui” (GV20) and “Fengchi” (GB20) acupoints (sparse-dense wave, 4 Hz/20 Hz, 20 min/day, 14 days). Neurological function was assessed via modified neurological severity score (mNSS) at baseline and on days 7 and 14, modified Garcia score and beam balance test on days 7 and 14. Brain infarct volume was evaluated by TTC staining using an independent subset of rats, while autophagy-related proteins LC3-II/I and Beclin-1 were analyzed in the ipsilateral peri-infarct cortex by Western blot and immunofluorescence using independent tissue samples.

Results

Compared with untreated MCAO rats, EA treatment significantly improved neurological function and reduced infarct volume. The Intensity 3 (0.3 mA) group showed the most pronounced effects, with the lowest mNSS, smallest infarct volume, and greatest improvement in modified Garcia score and beam balance test. Western blot and immunofluorescence confirmed significantly increased LC3-II/I and Beclin-1 expression in the ipsilateral peri-infarct cortex, with the strongest expression observed in the Intensity 3 group.

Conclusion

EA promotes neurological recovery after ischemic stroke, reduces infarct volume, and enhances the expression of autophagy-related proteins in the ipsilateral peri-infarct cortex. Within the stimulation range tested in this study, higher stimulation intensity produced a more pronounced neuroprotective effect.

Keywords

electroacupuncture stroke autophagy stimulation intensity neurological recovery middle cerebral artery occlusion LC3 Beclin-1

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