Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To explore the long-term effects and pain relief mechanism of acupotomy by observing changes in nitric oxide synthase(NOS) and beta-endorphin(β-EP) in the hypothalamus, spinal cord,and peripheral blood of rats with third lumbar vertebrae(L3) transverse process syndrome.METHODS:Twenty-eight SD rats were randomly assigned to normal, model, electroacupuncture(EA),and acupotomy group. The last three groups were put through an operation to emulate L3transverse process syndrome. Fourteen days after the simulation operation, EA and acupotomy treatments were applied to the respective groups. Fifty-six days afterthe simulation operation, biochemistry tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to measure NOS and β-EP in the hypothalamus, spinal cord, and peripheral blood.RESULTS: Rats with the simulation operation showed significantly higher levels of NOS and β-EP in the hypothalamus, spinal cord, and peripheral blood than those in the normal group. The EA and acupotomy groups had significantly lower levels of NOS and β-EP than those in the model group.There was no statistical difference between the EA and acupotomy groups.CONCLUSION: EA and acupotomy treatments significantly lowered NOS and β-EP levels in the hypothalamus, spinal cord, and peripheral blood and alleviated L3transverse process syndrome.

Key words: Acupotomy, Small needle knife, Electroacupuncture, L3transverse process syndrome, Nitric oxide synthase, Beta-endorphin