Clinical Impact of Massage Therapy on Neurovascular Regulation and Apoptosis in Rabbits with Cervical Spondylosis of the Vertebral Artery Type.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cervical spondylosis of the vertebral artery type (CSA) affects vertebral artery blood flow and is associated with sympathetic dysfunction and apoptosis. While treatments like electroacupuncture have been explored, the impact of massage therapy on CSA remains unclear. AIMS: This study examines how massage therapy affects sympathetic neurotransmitters, vertebral artery blood flow, and apoptosis in cervical spondylosis of the vertebral artery type (CSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty rabbits were divided into four groups: normal, model, electroacupuncture (EA), and massage. The CSA model was induced by neck injections of a sclerosing agent in all groups except the normal group. The EA group received electroacupuncture at "Fengchi" (GB 20) and "Jiaji" (C3-5), while the massage group underwent pushing manipulation at C3-5. Vertebral artery blood flow was measured using laser Doppler imaging, and serum levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and norepinephrine (NE) were assessed by ELISA. Histological changes were observed with H and E staining, apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL assay, and protein expression of CHOP, Bcl-2, and Bax was analyzed by western blotting. RESULTS: Following model induction, vertebral artery blood flow significantly decreased in all rabbits. Massage improved blood flow, decreased serum NPY and NE levels, alleviated lumen narrowing and intimal thinning of the vertebral artery, and significantly reduced the apoptosis, as well as the expression of CHOP and Bax proteins, while increasing Bcl-2 expression. These effects surpassed those observed in the EA group. CONCLUSION: Massage effectively reduces sympathetic neurotransmitter release, mitigates apoptosis, and improves vertebral artery blood flow, offering a viable treatment for CSA.