[Electroacupuncture plus Gastrodin Improves Learning-memory Ability Possibly by Up-regulating Expression of SIRT 1 and PGC-1 ɑ in Hippocampal CA 1 Region of Alzheimer's Disease Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with Gastrodin on learning-memory ability and expression of silent information regulator 2 homologous protein 1(SIRT 1) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator (PGC-1 ɑ) of hippocampal CA 1 region in Alzheimer's disease(AD) rats, so as to explore its mechanism under-lying improvement of AD. METHODS: Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control (normal), sham operation (sham), model, EA, Gastrodin and EA＋ Gastrodin groups (n＝10 in each). The AD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-Galactose (120 mg•kg－1•d－1) combined with bilateral hippocampal injection of ß amyloid 1-40(Aß 1-40). EA was applied at "Baihui"(GV 20), "Dazhui"(GV 14) and "Zusanli"(ST 36) for 30 min, once daily for 4 weeks. For rats of the Gastro-din group and EA＋ Gastrodin group, intraperitoneal injection of gastrodin(10 mg/kg) was conducted once daily for 4 weeks. Morris water maze tests were used to assess the rat's learning-memory ability. Nissl staining was used to assess the morphological changes of neurons in the hippocampal CA 1 area. The expression of SIRT 1 and PGC-1 ɑ of hippocampal CA 1 region was mea-sured by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: 1) Morris water maze tests showed that, compared with the normal and sham group, the escape latency was significantly prolonged (P<0.05), and the percentage of platform quadrant residence duration and the platform crossing times were considerably decreased in the model group (P<0.05). After the intervention, the escape latency was obviously shortened (P<0.05), and the percentage of platform quadrant residence duration and the platform crossing times were markedly increased in the EA, Gastrodin and EA＋Gastrodin groups relevant to the model group (P<0.05). 2) Nissl staining showed that, in comparison with the normal group or sham group, the number of cells in the hippocampal CA 1 area was decreased and the arrangement was disorganized in the model group. The number of cells in CA 1 area was relatively higher in the 3 treatment groups than in the model group. 3) The expression levels of SIRT 1 and PGC-1 ɑ proteins in the hippocampal CA 1 area were significantly down-regulated in the model group than in the normal and sham groups (P<0.05). After the intervention, the expression levels of SIRT 1 and PGC-1 ɑ in the EA, Gastrodin and EA＋Gastrodin groups were significantly up-regulated compared with the model group (P<0.05). The effects of EA＋Gastrodin were significantly superior to those of simple EA and simple Gastrodin in shortening the escape latency, up-regulating the expression levels of SIRT 1 and PGC-1 ɑ as well as in increasing the percentage of platform quadrant residence time and platform crossing times (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both EA and Gastrodin can improve the learning-memory ability of AD rats, which may be related to their effects in up-regulating the expression of SIRT 1 and PGC-1 ɑ and reducing neuronal injury in the CA 1 region of hippocampus, suggesting a protective role of EA on hippocampal neurons. The effect of EA combined with Gastrodin is markedly better than that of EA and Gastrodin alone.

[Effect of Electroacupuncture Intervention on Expressions of Nerve Growth Factor and Growth Arrest-specific Protein 7 in Ventral Posterolateral Thalamic Nucleus in Cerebral Ischemia Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on expressions of nerve growth factor(NGF) and growth arrest-specific protein 7(Gas 7) in the right ventral posterolateral nucleus(VPL) in the focal cerebral ischemia (FCI) rats, so as to explore its possible mechanism underlying improvement of secondary injury of FCI. METHODS: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group, sham operation group, model group and electroacupuncture (EA) group (n=12 in each group) by random number table.The FCI model was made by occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (MCAO) with thread embolus.One week after MCAO, EA(2 Hz,2 V) was performed on "Baihui"(GV 20) and left "Zusanli"(ST 36) for 30 min,once daily for successively 21 days.The expressions of NGF and Gas 7 in the right VPL were detected by immunohistochemistry (n=6 in each group) and Western blot (n=6 in each group), respectively;meanwhile Nissl staining was conducted to show VPL neurons. RESULTS: Nissl staining showed that the structure of right VPL was clear and complete,and the nuclei were centered and clear in the normal group and sham operation group;the VPL neurons were deeply stained, and the nuclei were pyknotic in the model group;the morphology of neurons in the EA group was similar to that of the normal group. The results of immunohistochemistry and Western blot were consistent. Expressions of NGF and Gas 7 proteins in the right VPL were not of significant differences between the sham operation group and the normal group (P>0.05). Compared with the normal group, the expressions of NGF and Gas 7 proteins in the VPL of the ischemic side were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05). After treatment,the expression levels of NGF and Gas 7 proteins were further up-regulated in the EA group in comparison with the model group(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The enhanced expressions of NGF and Gas 7 in the ischemic VPL of FCI rats may be involved in the neuroprotection and repairing; EA can significantly up-regulate the expressions of NGF and Gas 7 in VPL of the ischemic side, which may contribute to its effect in improving secondary thalamic impairment of FCI.

Effects of Polysaccharide of Gastrodia Elata Blume and Electro-Acupuncture on Expressions of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Stem Cell Factor Protein in Caudate Putamen of Focal Cerebral Ischemia Rats.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to explore the neural protective effect of polysaccharide of Gastrodia elata Blume (PGB) and electro-acupuncture (EA) on focal cerebral ischemia rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (normal group, model group, PGB group, EA group and PGB+EA group). The model was prepared by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Two week after modeling, rats were given PGB, EA, or a combination of the 2 in continuous treatment for 2 successive weeks. 14 days after modeling, expressions of BDNF and SCF protein in the caudate putamen (CPu) were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Positive expression of BDNF and SCF protein was found in the right caudate putamen of each group of rats. Expressions of BDNF and SCF in the CPu of the model group were higher than normal group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expressions of BDNF and SCF in the CPu of the PGB group, the EA group, and the PGB plus EA group increased significantly (P<0.05). The expressions of BDNF and SCF obviously increased in the PGB plus EA group compared to those of the EA group and the PGB group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS PGB and EA up-regulated the expressions of BDNF and SCF protein in the CPu of focal cerebral ischemia rats, and the combination of PGB+EA has a synergistic effect on the recovery from cerebral ischemia.

[Effect of Electroacupuncture Combined with Polysaccharide of Gastrodia elata Blume on Ex- pression of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the Paraventricular Nucleus of Hypothalamus in Cerebral Ischemia Rat].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) of "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) in combination with administration of polysaccharide of Gastrodia elata Blume (PGB) on the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus(PVN) of cerebral ischemia (C) rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of Cl. METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups: normal control, model, EA, PGB, and EA+ PGB (n = 8/group). The cerebral ischemia model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). EA (2 Hz, 2 V) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 30 min, once daily for 14 days. The rats of the PGB and PGB+ EA groups were treated by intragastric gavage of PGB at a dose of 100 mg/kg, once daily for 14 successive days. The expression of BDNF and VEGF in the PVN of hypothalamus was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: After MCAO, the BDNF and VEGF immunoreactions (IR) positive neuron numbers and expression level in the PVN of the hypothalamus were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05) and were further up-regulated after administration of EA and PBG ( P<0. 05). The effects of EA+ PGB were evidently superior to those of simple EA and simple PBG in up-regulating BDNF and VEGF IR-positive neuron numbers and expression levels in the PVN ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA combined with PGB can up-regulate the expression of BDNF and VEGF in the PVN of hypothalamus in cerebral ischemia rats, which might contribute to its effect in improving cerebral ischemia.

[Effect of Electroacupuncture Intervention Combined with Gastrodin Administration on Neurological Function, Nogo-A and NgR Expression in the Frontal Lobe Cortex of Focal Cerebral Ischemia Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention combined with medication (Gastrodin) on changes of neurological function and expression of Nogo-A and Nogo-A receptor (NgR) in the frontal lobe cortex around the ischemic loci of focal cerebral ischemia (FCI) rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of neuroregeneration of FC. METHODS: Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control, model, EA, medication and EA+ medication groups (n = 10 in each group). The FCI model was induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) with thread embolus. EA was applied to the left "Quchi" (LI 11) and "Hegu" (Li 4) for 30 min, once daily for 14 days after MCAO. For rats of the medication group, Gastrodin (10 mg/kg) was administrated by intraperitoneal injection, once daily for 14 days. The neurological impairment was assessed by Zea Longa's scoring. The expression of Nogo-A and NgR in the frontal lobe cortex around the ischemic loci was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In comparison with the normal control group, cerebro- cortical Nogo-A and NgR expression levels of the model group vere significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the Zea Longa's score and Nogo-A and NgR expression levels were evidently down-regulated in the EA, medication and EA + medication groups (P < 0.05). The Zea Longa's score and Nogo-A and NgR expression levels were significantly lower in the EA + medication group than in the EA and medication groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA intervention and Gastrodin administration can down-regulate cerebro-cortical Nogo-A and NgR protein expression in FCI rats, which may contribute to their action in improving neurological impairment. The effect of EA+ Gastrodin is better than simple EA or Gastrodin treatment.

[Effect of Electroacupuncture plus Polysaccharide of Gastrodia elata Blume on Expression of Nestin and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Basolateral Amygdala of Focal Cerebral Ischemia Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with administration of Polysaccharide of Gastrodia elata Blume (PGB) on stem cell proliferation in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) of focal cerebral ischemia (FCI) rats. METHODS: A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control,model,EA, PGB and EA+PGB groups (n=8 rats in each group). The FCI model was established by occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. EA (2 Hz, 3 V) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and the left "Zusanli"(ST 36) for 30 min, once daily for 14 successive days. Rats of the PGB and EA+PGB groups were given with PGB (100 mg/kg) by gastrogavage, once daily, for14 successive days. The Zea-Longa's method was used to determine the animals' nerurological dysfunction score on day 1 and 14. The expressions of Nestin and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) of the right BLA were measured by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Following modeling, the neurological score, and the numbers of Nestin- and BDNF-immunoreaction (IR)-positive cells were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the neurological scores were considerably decreased in the EA, PGB and EA+PGB groups (P<0.05), and the numbers of Nestin- and BDNF-IR positive cells were further significantly increased in the 3 treatment groups (P<0.05), and the effect of EA+PGB was notably superior to that of simple EA and simple PGB in down-regulating neurological score and up-regulating Nestin and BDNF expression (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both EA and PGB interventions can improve FCI rats' neurological function, which may be related to their effects in up-regulating the expression of Nestin and BDNF to promote the proliferation of neural stem cells in the BLA.

[Effect of electroacupuncture intervention combined with polysaccharide of Gastrodia elata Blume on expression of nestin and stem cell factor around the ischemic locus of frontal lobe cortex in local cerebral ischemia rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA), Polysaccharide of Gastrodia elata Blume (PGB), and EA + PGB on the expression of Nestin and stem cell factor (SCF) in the frontal lobe cortex around the ischemic loci of cerebral ischemia (CI) rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of CI. METHODS: A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley adult rats were randomly divided into normal control, CI model, EA intervention, PGB intervention and EA + PGB groups (n = 8 in each group). The CI model was prepared by middle cerebral artery occlusion. EA (2 Hz, 2 V) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and left "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 30 min, once daily for 14 days. Rats of the PGB and EA + PGB groups were treated by gastrogavage of PGB at a dose of 100 mg/kg, once daily for 14 successive days. The expression of Nestin and SCF in the frontal lobe around the ischemic loci of the frontal lobe was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the expression levels of regional cerebral cortical Nestin and SCF proteins were significantly increased in the model group (P < 0.05). After the treatment, the expression levels of Nestin and SCF were significantly further up-regulated in the EA, PGB and EA + PGB groups in comparison with the model group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA combined with PGB can significantly up-regulate the expression of Nestin and SCF in the frontal lobe around the ischemic loci in cerebral ischemia rats, which may contribute to their function in improving CI.

[Effects of Electroacupuncture Intervention Combined with Gastrodin on Expression of Proteins Related to Proliferation-differentiation of Neural Stem Cells in Hippocampal CA 1 and CA 3 Regions in Focal Cerebral Ischemia Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) combined with medication on changes of expression of Nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neuron specific enolase (NSE) in the hippocampal CA 1 and CA 3 regions of focal cerebral ischemia (FC1) rats, so as to analyze its mechanisms underlying neuroprotection. METHODS: Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, model, EA, medication, and EA+ medication groups (n = 10 in each group). The FCI model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with thread embolus. EA (2 Hz, 2 V) was applied to the left "Hegu"(LI 4) and "Quchi" (LI 11) for 30 min, once daily for 14 days after MCAO. Rats of the medication group were given with intraperitoneal injection of gastrodin (10 mg/kg). The expression of Nestin, GFAP and NSE in the hippocampal CA 1 and CA 3 regions were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the numbers of Nestin- and GFAP-immunoreaction (IR) positive cells in both CA 1 and CA 3 regions of the hippocampus were significantly increased in the model ciroup (P<0.05), while those of NSE-IR positive cells in both CA 1 and CA 3 regions were significantly decreased in the mdlgroup (P<0.05). After EA and medication interventions, the numbers of Nestin- and NSE-IR positive cells in the CA 1 and CA 3 regions were evidently increased and GFAP-IR positive neurons were considerably reduced in the EA, medication and EA+ medication groups (P<0.05). The effects of EA+ medication were significantly superior to those of both EA and simple medication in up-regulating the number of Nestin- and NSE-IR positive cells and down-regulating the number of GFAP positive neurons in CA 1 and CA 3-regions (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA and EA intervention combined with gastrodin can significantly up-regulate the number of Nestin- and NSE-IR positive cells, and down-regulate the number of GFAP positive cells in the CA 1 and CA 3 regions of hippocampus in focal cerebral ischemia rats, which may contribute to their effects in promoting the differentiation and proliferation of mature neurons in the hippocampus for improving cerebral functions. The effects of EA+ medication are obviously better than simple EA intervention.

[Effects of electroacupuncture intervention combined with polysaccharide of Gastrodia elata Blume on expression of nestin and cytokines of neural stem cells in the dentate gyrus of cerebral ischemia rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) and EA plus polysaccharide of Gastrodia elata Blume (PGB) on neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation in cerebral ischemia (CI) rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of CI. METHODS: A total of 40 SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, CI model, EA , medication (PGB) and EA + medication groups (n = 8 in each group). The CI model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). Two weeks after modeling, rats of the medication and EA + medication groups were administrated with PGB (100 mg/kg) once daily for 2 successive weeks. EA (2 Hz, 3 V) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and left "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 30 min, once daily for 2 weeks. The expression of Nestin and stem cell factor (SCF) proteins in the dentate gyrus (DG) of hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the expression of Nestin and SCF proteins in the suprapyramidal blade (SPB) and infrapyramidal blade (IPB) of DG were significantly increased in the model group (P < 0.05). After EA intervention, the expression levels of Nestin and SCF of SPB and IPB of DG were considerably further up-regulated in both EA group and EA + medication group (P < 0.05), and the effect of EA + medication group was significantly superior to that of simple EA group and medication group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA combined with PGB can significantly up-regulate the expression of Nestin and SCF in the hippocampal DG in CI rats, and its effects are apparently superior to those of simple EA or simple medication. It suggests that EA-induced proliferation of SCF may be one of the mechanisms underlying relieving CI.

[Effect of electroacupuncture intervention at different time-points in a day on expression of c-fos and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in medial prefrontal cortex in ketamine addiction rats].

UNLABELLED: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA) stimulation of "Zusanli"(ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao"(SP 6) at different time-points of a day on the expression of c-fos and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in rats with ketamine addiction. METHODS: A total of 56 SD rats were randomized into control group, saline group, model group and EA group. The EA group was further divided into Zi-shi (23 : 00), Mao-shi (05 : 00), Wu-shi (11 : 00) and You-shi (17 : 00) subgroups (n = 8 in each group or subgroup). Ketamine addiction model was established by intraperitoneal administration of ketamine (100 mg/kg), once a day for 7 days. EA (2 Hz, 3 V) was applied to unilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) acupoints for 30 min, once daily for 7 days. The expression of c-fos and nNOS in the mPFC was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Following EA intervention for 7 days, the animals' daily life activities including body stretching, standing, jumping, circling, falling on the back and fur-licking in the EA group (Wu-shi and You-shi subgroups) were close to those of the normal control and saline groups, being much better than the model group. Compared with the normal control group and saline group, the expression levels of c-fos and nNOS in the mPFC in the model group were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of both c-fos and nNOS were considerably down-regulated in the Wu-shi (11 : 00) and You-shi (17 : 00) subgroups (P < 0.05), rather than in the Zi-shi (23 : 00) and Mao-shi (05 : 00) subgroups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA of ST 36 and SP 6 at 11 : 00 and 17 : 00 can decrease the expression o fc-fos and nNOS in the mPFC in ketamine addiction rats, which may contribute to its effects in improving the rats' behavior activity.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on hippocampal nNOS expression in rats of post-traumatic stress disorder model].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and an electroacupuncture group. The single prolonged stress (SPS) method was used to set up the PTSD models in latter two groups. After SPS Stimulation, EA group was treated with 2Hz electroacupuncture at Baihui (GV 20) and Zusanli (ST 36) for 30 min, once a day for a week. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immuno-histochemistry were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of nNOS in the hippocampus of rats in the each group. RESULTS: (1) The nNOS mRNA expression in hippocampus in model group was higher than that in normal group (P < 0.05). But the expression in EA group was lower significantly than that in model group (P < 0.05). (2) The nNOS protein expression in hippocampus CA1 and CA3 in model group was higher than that in normal group (P < 0.05). But after electroacupuncture treatment, its expression in EA group was lower significantly than that in model group (P < 0.05). The nNOS protein expression in hippocampal CA2 had no difference among all three groups. CONCLUSION: The elevated nNOS expression in hippocampus may be involved in the pathological process of PTSD. Electroacupuncture play a down-regulation effects in the hippocampal nNOS expression, which may be one mechanism of electroacupuncture for treatment of PTSD.

[Effects of electroacupuncture intervention on behavior changes and hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor and mineralocorticoid receptor expression levels in post-traumatic stress disorder rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on behavior reactions and hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) protein expression in rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of PTSD. METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, model and EA groups (10 rats/group). PTSD model was established by single prolonged stress. EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) stimulation was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36) acupoints for 30 min, once a day for a week. Morris water maze test was used to measure the ability of spatial learning and memory. GR and MR protein expression levels in the hippocampus tissee were examined with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the animals' escape latency and the expression level of hippocampal GR protein were increased significantly, and the expression level of hippocampal MR protein, as well the ratio of MR/GR expression were down-regulated considerably in the model group (P<0.05). In comparison with the model group, the animals' escape latency and the expression level of hippocampal GR protein were shortened pronouncedly, and the expression level of hippocampal MR protein, as well the ratio of MR/GR immunoactivity were up-regulated considerably (P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: EA of GV 20 and ST 36 can improve the learning-memory ability and regulate hippocampal MR and GR expression in PTSD rats, which may contribute to its effect in relieving PTSD in clinical practice.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and glial fibrillary acidic protein in subventricular zone of Parkinson's disease rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of Parkinson's disease (PD) rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of PD. METHODS: Eighteen SD rats were randomized into normal control, model and EA groups (6 rats/group). PD model was duplicated by microinjection of 6-hydroxydopamine (2.5 microg/microL, 6 microL) containing 0.02% antiscorbic acid into the right medial forebrain bundle region (P: -4. 0, L: 0.8, H: 8.0). On the 7th day after modeling, EA (100 Hz) was applied to bilateral "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Taichong" (LR 3) for 30 min, once a day for 21 days. The expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), GFAP and PCNA in the right SVZ tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: TH expression was strong in the normal control group, but no TH expression was found in the model and EA groups. In comparison with the normal control group, the expression levels of PCNA and GFAP proteins and the number of PCNA-IR-positive cells in the right SVZ were decreased significantly in the model group (P < 0.01); while compared with the model group, the expression levels of PCNA and GFAP proteins and the number of PCNA-IR-positive cells in the right SVZ were up-regulated considerably in the EA group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA can up-regulate the expression of PCNA and GFAP proteins in the SVZ in PD rats without changes of TH expression, which may contribute to its effect in improving clinical symptoms of PD.

[Effects of electroacupuncture intervention at different time in A day on expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and C-fos in nucleus accumbens in ketamine addiction rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention at different time in a day on the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and c-fos in the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of ketamine addiction. METHODS: A total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into normal control, normal saline (2 mL/kg), model and EA groups. The EA group was subdivided into Zi-Shi (23:00), Mao-Shi (05:00), Wu-Shi (11:00) and You-Shi (17: 00) subgroups. Ketamine addiction model was established by intraperitoneal administration of ketamine (100 mg/kg), once a day for 7 days. EA (2 Hz, 3 V) was applied to unilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) for 30 min, once daily for 7 days. The expression of TH and c-fos in the NAc was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group and normal saline group, the numbers of TH and c-fos immunoreaction (IR)-positive neurons in NAc in the model group were upregulated significantly (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of both TH and c-fos IR-positive neurons were down-regulated significantly in the Wu-Shi(11:00) and You-Shi (17:00) subgroups (P < 0.01), rather than in the Zi-Shi and Mao-Shi subgroups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA of "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) at 11:00 and 17:00 of the daytime can down-regulate ketamine addiction induced increase of expression of TH and c-fos in the NAc in ketamine addiction rats, which may contribute to its effect in relieving ketamine addiction symptoms in clinic.

[Effects of electroacupuncture combined with compound Salviae Miltiorrhizae tablet on the expressions of brain derived neurotrophic factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in hippocampus CA1 of chronic cerebral ischemia rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with Compound Salviae Miltiorrhizae Tablet (CSMT) on the expressions of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in hippocampus CA1 of chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) rats. METHODS: Totally 50 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, the model group, the CSMT group, the EA group, and the EA +CSMT groups, 10 in each group. The CCI model was prepared by permanent bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion. One week after modeling, CSMT at 0.75 g/kg was given to rats in the EA + CSMT group and the CSMT group by gastrogavage, once daily, for 5 successive weeks. EA at Baihui (DU20) and Dazhui (DU14) was performed to rats in the EA group and the EA + CSMT group, lasting for 30 min, once daily, for 5 successive weeks. The expressions of BDNF and VEGF in the hippocampus CA1 area were detected by immunohistochemical assay and image analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the number of positively expressed BDNF and VEGF neurons and their expression intensity in the hippocampus CA1 of the model group obviously decreased (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the number of positively expressed BDNF and VEGF neurons and their expression intensity in the hippocampus CA1 of the CSMT group, the EA group, and the EA + CSMT groups obviously increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The number of positively expressed BDNF and VEGF neurons and their expression intensity were obviously higher in the EA + CSMT group than those of the CSMT group and the EA group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: EA combined with CSMT could significantly increase the expressions of BDNF and VEGF in the hippocampus CA1 of CCl rats. Besides, their effects were significantly higher than those of the CSMT group or the EA group.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and c-fos in hippocampal CA 1 area in ketamine-addiction rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the morphological basis of electroacupuncture (EA) in relieving addiction of ketamine. METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into normal control, normal saline (10 mL/kg), model and ketamine+ EA groups. Ketamine-addiction model was established by intraperitoneal administration of ketamine (100 mg/kg) , once a day for 7 days. EA (2 Hz) was applied to "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao"(SP 6) for 30 min, once a day for 7 days. The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and c-fos in the hippocampal CA 1 region was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In comparison with the normal control group and normal saline group, the numbers of both TH immune-reaction (IR)-positive and c-fos IR-positive neurons in the hippocampal region in the model group were increased significantly (P<0. 05, P<0. 01). Correspondingly, the expression of both TH IR-positive and c-fos IR-positive products in the hippocampal CA 1 region in the model group was upregulated evidently (P<0. 05, P<0. 01). After EA of "Zusanli" (ST 36)-"Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), compared with the model group, the expression of both TH IR-positive and c-fos IR-positive products was downregulated considerably (P<0. 01). CONCLUSION: EA of "Zusanli"(ST 36)-"Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) can downregulate ketamine-addiction induced increase of expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and c-fos in the hippocampal CA 1 region in ketamine-addiction rats, which may contribute to its effect in relieving ketamine addiction symptoms in clinic.

[Effect of different needle-retained time of electroacupuncture on expression of nitric oxide synthase in the septum of the rat].

OBJECTIVE: To probe into the relationship of different needle-retained time with therapeutic effects. METHODS: Forty experimental rats were evenly randomized into 5 groups, electroacupuncture (EA) at "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 5 min, 15 min, 30 min and 60 min groups, who received EA for 5, 15, 30 and 60 min respectively, and a control group who did not receive EA. Nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d) method and computer image analysis system were used to detect the meangray of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) positive neurons in the septum. RESULTS: NOS positive neurons in the septum did not change as the EA for 5 min group compared with the control group (P > 0.05); the number of heavily staining NOS positive neurons increased significantly (P < 0.05) and the meangray of the NOS positive neurons significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in some septal subnuclei (lateral septum, and medial septum, vertical diagnonal band) after EA for 15, 30, 60 min as compared with the control group, and the numbers and the meangray of the NOS positive neurons in the septum were not significantly difference among the 3 EA groups. CONCLUSION: NOS expression in the septum increases and keeps a same level from EA for 15 min to 60 min.