ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe any effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoints CV23 and GV16 in activating c-Fos genes in the brain regions related to swallowing.Methods:Twenty C57 mice were randomly divided into a blank group, an EA at CV23 group, an EA at GV16 group and an EA at CV23+ GV16 group, each of 5. All except the mice in the blank group were given EA at the relevant acupoints CV23 or GV16 or both, respectively, for 15min. Samples were collected from all of the groups 50min after the EA treatment, and immunofluorescence staining was used to quantify the expression of the c-Fos gene in the brain regions controlling swallowing.Results:In the nucleus tractus solitarii the average number of c-Fos positive cells of the CV23 group was (445.1±43.14)/mm 2, significantly higher than the (297.47±25.54)/mm 2 of the GV16 group. No significant differences were observed in the average number of c-Fos positive cells in parabrachial nucleus. In the primary motor cortex the average number of c-Fos positive cells in the GV16 group was significantly higher than in the other two groups. In the primary sensory cortex the CV23+ GV16 group had a significantly higher average number. Conclusions:EA at the CV23 most strongly activates the c-Fos gene in the nucleus tractus solitarii. For c-Fos activation in the primary motor cortex GV16 is the most effective point. For c-Fos activation in the primary sensory cortex, EA at CV23 and GV16 together is recommended. These results may guide the selection of acupoints in treating dysphagia.