Title: Effects of acupuncture on the expression of P2X receptors in the hippocampus of mice with a telomerase gene knocked out
Abstract: Objective
To observe the expression of P2X receptors in the hippocampus of telomerase gene knockout mice after acupuncturing the bilateral ST36 acupoints.
Methods
Eighteen telomerase gene knockout homozygous mice were randomly divided into a blank control group (group A), a manual acupuncture group (group B) and an electric acupuncture group (group C), each of 6. Group A was not given any intervention, while groups B and C were provided with manual or electric acupuncture at point ST36 for 7 days. The expression of P2X receptors and cAMP response element bound protein (CREB) in the hippocampus were observed and compared among the 3 groups.
Results
The expression of P2X4 in the hippocampus was not significantly different among the 3 groups in groups B and C decreased significantly compared with group A, but there were no significant differences between group Bs and C. The expression of CREB in group C decreased significantly compared with groups A and B.
Conclusion
EA inhibits the expression of P2X4 receptor and CREB the hippocampus. The signaling pathway may play an important role in the mechanism of action of acupuncture in neurodegenerative diseases.
Key words:
Acupuncture; Electro-acupuncture; Telomerase knockout; P2X
Publication Year: 2016
Publication Date: 2016-08-25
Language: en
Type: article
Access and Citation
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot