Objective: To study the effects of Yiqi Huayu Recipe on
neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) in neuromuscular junctions
during nerve regeneration in rats with lumbar nerve root compression. Methods: The rats with lumbar nerve root compression were given Yiqi Huayu Recipe for 10, 20 and 30 days respectively. The distribution of N-CAM in neuromuscular junctions of soleus muscle in rats was examined with immunohistochemical method and confocal laser scanning microscopy technique. The acetylcholine receptor (AChR) was visualized with fluorescein-conjugated α-bungarotoxin (α-BTX). The overlap areas of N-CAM and AChR sites were measured with NIH image technique. Results: The aggregates, sprouts and extensions of N-CAM in the neuromuscular junctions and the overlap areas of N-CAM and AChR sites in the Yiqi Huayu Recipe-treated group were all better improved than those in the untreated group. Conclusion: The expression of N-CAM is regulated according to the state of innervation for muscles. Yiqi Huayu Recipe may accelerate this nerve regeneration process.