Title: Effect of electroacupuncture preconditioning on autophagy in hippocampal neurons of mice with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury
Abstract: Objective
To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture preconditioning on autophagy in hippocampal neurons of mice with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury.
Methods
Thirty-six healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 10-12 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n=12 each) using a random number table: sham operation group (group S), I/R group and electroacupuncture preconditioning group (group EA). Global cerebral I/R was induced by occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries for 15 min followed by reperfusion in mice anesthetized with chloral hydrate. In group EA, electroacupuncture of Baihui acupoints lasting for 30 min was performed once a day for 5 consecutive days starting from 5 days before ischemia, and the model was established at 24 h after the last preconditioning. Neurological function was assessed and scored at 24 h of reperfusion. The mice were then sacrificed, and brains were removed and cut into sections which were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. The rate of injured neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region was calculated. The expression of LC3Ⅱ, Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 in hippocampal tissues was assessed by Western blot.
Results
Compared with group S, the neurological scores were significantly decreased, the rate of injured neurons was increased, and LC3Ⅱ expression was up-regulated, and Bcl-2 expression was down-regulated in I/R and EA groups, Beclin-1 expression was up-regulated in group I/R, and no significant change was found in Beclin-1 expression in group EA. Compared with group S, the neurological scores were significantly increased, the rate of injured neurons was decreased, LC3Ⅱ expression was down-regulated, and Bcl-2 expression was up-regulated in group EA.
Conclusion
Electroacupuncture preconditioning reduces cerebral I/R injury through inhibiting autophagy in hippocampal neurons of mice.
Key words:
Electric stimulation therapy; Ischemia preconditioning; Hippocampus; Reperfusion injury; Autophagy; Neurons
Publication Year: 2015
Publication Date: 2015-08-20
Language: en
Type: article
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