Abstract

To observe the effects of electroacupuncture at Quchi point on carotid artery vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) apoptosis of 2K1C-RHR and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax. The therapy methods in electroacupuncture group and electroacupuncture control group were carried out through the Quchi point and the WaiGuan point, respectively, on base of 2K1C-RHR model. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein in carotid artery was detected by immunohistochemical method; Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to detect the apoptosis of carotid artery VSMCs. Compared with the normal control group, the apoptosis of carotid artery VSMCs of model control group increased, the expression of Bcl-2 increased and the expression of Bax decreased. The apoptosis rate of carotid artery VSMCs increased in the electroacupuncture group contrary to model control group (P<0.05), the expression of Bcl-2 decreased and the expression of Bax increased. There was not a significant difference in the apoptosis rate of carotid artery VSMCs between electroacupuncture control group and model control group (P>0.05). The vascular remodeling of hypertension rats in carotid artery can be influenced through the adjustment of VSMCs apoptosis by electroacupuncture.

Key words: Acupuncture, hypertension, Quchi point, Bcl-2, Bax.