Paired associated stimulation (PAS) has been confirmed to play a role in motor recovery after stroke, but the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we employed a comprehensive battery of measurements, including behavioral test, electrophysiology and ¹H-NMR approaches, to investigate the therapeutic effects of PAS in rat model of cerebral ischemia and its underlying mechanism. Rats were randomly divided into a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion group (tMCAO group), a tMCAO + PAS group (PAS group), and a sham group. PAS was applied over 7 consecutive days in PAS group. The behavioral function of rats was evaluated by modified Garcia Scores and Rota-rod test. Electrophysiological changes were measured by motor evoked potentials (MEP). Metabolic changes of ischemic penumbra were detected by ¹H-NMR. After PAS intervention, the performances on Rota-rod test and Garcia test improved and the amplitude of MEP increased significantly. The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in penumbra cortex was decreased significantly, whereas the glutamate showed the opposite changes. The results suggested that post-stroke recovery promoted by PAS may be related to the metabolites alteration in ischemic penumbra and also regulate the excitability of motor cortex.

已证实配对相关刺激 (PAS) 在中风后运动恢复中发挥作用，但其潜在机制尚未完全阐明。在这项研究中，我们采用了一系列综合测量，包括行为测试、电生理学和¹H-NMR方法，研究PAS在大鼠脑缺血模型中的治疗作用及其潜在机制。大鼠随机分为短暂大脑中动脉闭塞组（tMCAO组）、tMCAO+PAS组（PAS组）和假手术组。PAS 组连续应用 PAS 超过 7 天。采用改良的 Garcia 评分和 Rota-rod 试验评估大鼠的行为功能。通过运动诱发电位（MEP）测量电生理变化。缺血半暗带的代谢变化由¹核磁共振。PAS干预后，Rota-rod test和Garcia test性能提高，MEP幅度显着增加。半暗带皮层中的γ-氨基丁酸（GABA）显着减少，而谷氨酸则显示出相反的变化。结果提示PAS促进脑卒中后恢复可能与缺血半暗带代谢产物的改变有关，也调节运动皮层的兴奋性。