The influence of electroacupuncture stimulation on learning and memory ability in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury
ZHANG Li1 PENG Ye2
1.Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baoji Vocational & Technical College, Shaanxi Province, Baoji 721013, China;
2.Department of Orthopedics, Air Force General Hospital, PLA, Beijing 100142, China
Abstract:Objective To study the influence of electroacupuncture stimulation on learning and memory ability in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and to provide evidence for the clinical treatment of ischemic stroke. Methods Forty-five SPF male rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 15): model group, electroacupuncture group and sham operation group according to the random number table. The model group and electroacupuncture group were used to make the model of total cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. The electroacupuncture group was stimulated by electroacupunture, and the operation group did not block the blood flow in the middle of the cerebral artery, and the remaining operations were in the same with model group. The learning and memory ability of rats was assessed using Morris water maze, and the escape latency and the number of crossing the platform during different time periods were recorded; Nissl staining was used to count the number of neurons in CA1 and CA3. Results Compared with the sham operation group, the escape latency in the model group was prolonged significantly, and the frequency of crossing the platform was increased significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the escape latency in the electroacupuncture group was shortened, and the frequency of crossing the platform was decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, the number of neurons for CA1 and CA3 in the model group was decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with model group, the number of neurons in the electroacupuncture group was increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture can improve learning and memory ability in cerebral ischemia rats, speculates that the mechanism may be related to its hippocampal nerve protective effect on cerebral ischemia reperfusion rats.