[Effect of acupotomy lysis on SP and CCK-8 contents in hypothalamus and spinal cord in rats with transverse process syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra].

Objective: To observe changes of SP and CCK-8 contents in the hypothalamus and spinal cord after performing acupotomy lysis so as to study its central analgesic effect in rats with transverse-process syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra.
Methods: Twenty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, acupotomy lysis group and electroacupuncture (EA) group, with 7 cases in each one. The model of the third lumbar vertebra transverse process syndrome was established by inserting a piece of gelatin sponge into the deep subfascial part of the 3rd lumbar transverse process. Acupotomy lysis was conducted 1 time/week for 2 weeks. EA (2/100 Hz, 1-2 mA) was applied to the left "Shenshu" (BL 23)-"Yaoyangguan"(GV 3) for 20 min/time, 3 times/week and for 2 weeks. SP and CCK-8 contents in the hypothalamus and spinal cord were detected with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: In model group, SP and CCK-8 contents in the hypothalamus and spinal cord were increased significantly in comparison with normal control group (P < 0.01). Compared with model group, both SP and CCK-8 contents in hypothalamus and SP content in spinal cord in acupotomy lysis and EA groups were apparently lower (P < 0.01, 0.05). CCK-8 content in spinal cord in cupotomy lysis group was lower markedly than that of model group (P < 0.01), while no significant difference was found between model group and EA group in CCK-8 level in spinal cord (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Acupotomy lysis can downregulate SP and CCK-8 contents in hypothalamus and spinal cord, which may contribute to its effect in relieving pain from transverse process syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra.