Effects of scalp acupoint cluster needling on learning and memory ability and inflammatory mediators in hippocampal CA1 region of rats with Alzheimer’s disease

摘要

Objective: To observe the effect of scalp acupoint cluster needling on learning and memoryability and inflammatory mediators in CA1 area of hippocampus in rats with Alzheimer’sdisease (AD). Methods: A total of 40 SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank group,sham operation group, model group and scalp acupoint cluster needling group, with 10 ratsin each group. The AD model was duplicated by injecting Abeta 1-42 solution into bilateralhippocampus in model group and scalp acupoint cluster needling group. The sham operationgroup was injected with the same amount of sterile hydrogen peroxide, while the blank groupwas not treated. The scalp acupoint cluster needling group was given acupuncture interventionfrom 2 d after model establishment. The blank group, sham operation group and model groupwere only bundled and fixed in the dorsal position once a day for 14 consecutive days. Aftertreatment, the learning and memory ability of AD rats was tested by Morris water maze test,the contents and activities of Ach, ChAT and AcE in hippocampal CA1 area were detectedby ELISA, and the expressions of IL-6, IL-10 protein and mRNA in hippocampal CA1 areawere detected by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, respectively. Results: Ach content,ChAT activity, IL-10 protein and mRNA expression in hippocampus were significantly lowerthan those in blank group, while AchE activity and IL-6 protein and mRNA expression weresignificantly higher than those in blank group. Compared with the model group, scalp acupointcluster needling could significantly reduce the escape latency time, increase the number ofcrossing platforms and effective residence time, increase the content of Ach, the activity ofChAT, the expression of IL-10 protein and mRNA in hippocampus, and decrease the activity ofAchE and the expression of IL-6 protein and mRNA. Conclusion: Controlling the expressionof inflammatory factors and promoting the content of Ach in hippocampal CA1 region of ADrats can improve the learning and memory ability of AD rats.