Electro-acupuncture upregulates CGRP expression after rat spinal cord transection

► We found the protective effect of CGRP on survival of CGNs injured mechanically. ► CGRP may promote survival of neurons injured in a rat spinal cord transected. ► EA can improve CGRP expression in the rat spinal cord transected completely. ► CGRP may play a neuroprotective role in survival of neurons injured mechanically.