| Evidence Sentence: |
Moreover, EA significantly increased the phosphorylation levels of ERK, as well as the protein expression levels of Ras, cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4. |
| Evidence Sentence: |
To investigate the effect of EA on the ERK pathway, western blotting was performed to examine the expression of Ras and the phosphorylation of ERK in the ischemic cerebral cortex and striatum. |
| Evidence Sentence: |
2, I/R injury increased the Ras protein expression and the phosphorylation level of ERK. |
| Evidence Sentence: |
This was consistent with previous studies of the transient focal ischemia model which showed that ERK was activated following I/R and persisted for 24 h. EA at Zusanli and Quchi further upregulated the protein expression of Ras, as well as ERK phosphorylation, whereas the levels of nonphosphorylated ERK remained unchanged in all three animal groups. |
| Evidence Sentence: |
ERK activation is important in cell proliferation and therefore, the pro-proliferative activity of EA was investigated using IHC staining for PCNA. |
| Evidence Sentence: |
The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, a critical mediator of cell proliferation, is activated in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and is therefore a key target in the treatment of ischemic stroke. |
| Evidence Sentence: |
Consequently, EA-mediated activation of the ERK pathway resulted in the stimulation of cerebral cell proliferation. |
| Evidence Sentence: |
EA at the Quchi and Zusanli acupoints activates the ERK pathway in cerebral I/R-injured rats |
| Evidence Sentence: |
Electroacupuncture at Quchi and Zusanli treats cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through activation of ERK signaling |
| Evidence Sentence: |
The present data suggest that EA at the Quchi and Zusanli acupoints exerts a neuroprotective effect in ischemic stroke via the activation of ERK signaling. |
