| Aims:By examining the correlation between the learning and memory disorder andβ-amyloid expression of AD model rat, this work was to explore the mechanism underlying electroacupuncture (EA) and further better understanding of EA in the prevention and treatment of AD.Methods:Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into Model, EA, Pseudo-treatment and Control groups. AD model was made by combining intraperitoneal administration of D-glactose (D-gal) with the hippocampal injection of Aβ1-40. In EA group, "Baihui", "Dazhui", "Shenshu" and "Zusanli" acupoints were stimulated daily and persisted for 28 days. Then, the water maze test for behaviors, radioimmunoassay (RIA) forβ-amyloid, ABC+LAB immunohistochemistry forβ-amyloid sedimentation in the brain and the flow cytometry measurement for apoptosis were carried out to assess the effects of EA.Results:1. Compared with the model group, the number of entrance to dead ends and the average escape latency of rat in EA group was remarkably reduced (P＜0.05);2. Compared with other groups, theβ-amyloid level was significantly enhanced (P＜0.01). After EA treatment, it was decreased markedly (P＜0.05);3. In EA group, the number ofβ-amyloid positive hippocampal neurons was greatly reduced whereas the average optical density (OD) and the total integral OD significantly increased (P＜0.05);4. The apoptosis index of rat in model group was remarkably higher than that of the control and the pseudo-treatment groups (P＜0.01). Compared with the model group, the neuroal apoptosis rate in RA group was significantly reduced (P＜0.05).Conclusions:On the AD model rats, we have demonstrated that EA might significantly improve the learning and memory disorder, decrease the serumβ-amyloid level, reduce the cerebralβ-amyloid sediments and inhibit the brain neuronal apoptosis. It is concluded that EA could produce quite positive effects on AD... |
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