Effect of acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20) on the activity of myosin light chain kinase in the middle meningeal artery of migraine modeled rats

ObjectiveTo study the effect of acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20) on the activation of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) in the middle meningeal artery of migraine modeled rats.MethodsForty-four clean grade healthy female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, blank control group, Fengchi (GB 20) acupuncture group, and Fengchi (GB 20) prevention group. Neurogenic inflammation of these rats was induced by electrical stimulation. The γ-32P infiltration method was then used to detect MLCK activation in the middle meningeal artery, and immunocytochemistry was applied to detect the structural protein expression of MLCK.ResultsThe migraine model was successfully established in the rats. Compared with the control group, MLCK activation was significantly decreased in the blank control group (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe activation of MLCK in the middle meningeal artery was increased by acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20), indicating its effectiveness in preventing and curing on acute migraine attacks.