Nerve growth factor expression in stroke induced rats after shock wave

[Purpose] This study investigates effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on nerve growth factor expression in stroke in rats. [Subjects and Methods] Sixteen eight-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were used and randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group, a control group. The experimental group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy after the stroke. The spinal cord encompassing the lumbar 4-lumbar 5 level was then removed for Western blot analysis. [Results] There was a significant difference in nerve growth factor expression between the groups after the impairment. [Conclusion] Application of extracorporeal shock wave therapy increased the expression of nerve growth factor and nerve growth factor postulated to promote nerve growth factor upregulation through formation of a microenvironment at the spinal cord level related to the injured area.