Effects of Massage on Neuro-Vascular Regulation and Apoptosis in Rabbits with Cervical Spondylosis of the Vertebral Artery Type

Abstract

Objective To explore the therapeutic mechanisms of massage for cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type (CSA) from the effects of sympathetic neurotransmitter changes on vertebral artery blood flow and apoptosis. Methods Forty rabbits were randomly divided into a normal group, model group, electroacupuncture (EA) group, and massage group, with 10 rabbits in each group. The CSA rabbit model was established by neck injection of sclerosing agent in all groups except the normal group. In the EA group, the left “Fengchi” (GB 20) and the 3rd-5th cervical vertebrae (C3-5) “Jiaji” (EX-B2) were selected for EA treatment. In the massage group, pushing manipulation with one finger was performed at 0.5 cm to the left side of the C3-5 spinous process and the tip of the transverse process. The vertebral artery blood flow was detected by laser Doppler. The levels of serum neuropeptide Y (NPY) and norepinephrine (NE) were determined by ELISA. The pathological morphological changes of vertebral arteries were observed by HE staining. The apoptosis of vertebral arteries and cerebella were detected by Tunel assay. The protein expressions of CHOP, Bcl-2, and Bax in vertebral arteries and cerebella were detected by Western blot. Results Vertebral artery blood flow was significantly decreased in all rabbits after modeling. Massage increased vertebral artery blood flow, decreased serum levels of NPY and NE which secreted by sympathetic nerves, improved vertebral artery lumen narrowing, intimal thinning, and mesenteric smooth muscle cell alignment. Moreover, these effects were superior to that in the EA group. In addition, the massage group significantly reduced the apoptotic index, decreased the CHOP and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) protein expressions, and increased the B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein expression in vertebral arteries and cerebella relative to the model group. Conclusion The treatment of CSA has a neuro-vascular regulatory mechanism. Massage can decrease the release of sympathetic neurotransmitters that constrict blood vessels and mitigate apoptosis induced by excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) due to sympathetic excitation, so as to improve vertebral artery blood flow and serve as a treatment for CSA.