• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.39-55
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• 2009

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate effects of electroacupuncture and Cervi Pantortichum Cornu pharmacopuncture on pain and nerve regeneration after crush injury of sciatic nerve in rats. Methods : We divided the subjects into 5 groups : control group, acupuncture treated group, electroacupuncture treated group, Cervi Pantortichum Cornu pharmacopuncture treated group, electroacupuncture and Cervi Pantortichum Cornu pharmacopuncture group. Hot plate test and degree of Substance P antibody in each group were observed at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th day. Sciatic function index and change of BDNF immunoreactivity had been estimated at the 7th, 14th, 21st day respectively. Atrophy of the gastrocnemius at the 21st day was observed. Results : All the experimental groups showed significant changes in hot plate test, degree of Substance P antibody, sciatic function index and change of BDNF immunoreactivity compared with control group. Especially, when electroacupuncture and Cervi Pantortichum Cornu pharmacopuncture used together, results were more effective than other groups. Recovery of the gastrocnemius was also the same. Conclusions : It is suggested that electroacupuncture and Cervi Pantortichum Cornu pharmacopuncture may play a significant role on pain decrease and nerve regeneration after crush injury of sciatic nerve in rats and these two treatments could be more effective when used together.