Fig. 3
From: Combination of stem cell therapy and acupuncture to treat ischemic stroke: a prospective review
Acupuncture may enhance the efficacy of cell implantation. Acupuncture may increase the survival rate, migration and homing ability of the implated cells and maintain cell functions by increasing the cerebral blood flow, modulating the blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity, and attenuating the excitotoxicity and inflammatory responses. EAA excitatory amino acid, IL interleukin, ROS reactive oxygen species, TNF tumor necrosis factor