Study of the Involvement of Hippocampal Network Theta Oscillations in Electroacupuncture Regulation of Abnormal Cardiovascular Activities / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe changes in hippocampal network electrical activities in electroacupuncture regulation of abnormal cardiovascular activities and explore the central mechanism of the regulation. Method Experimental rats were randomized into three groups normal urethane anesthesia without electroacupuncture (n=15), urethane enhanced deep anesthesia (n=9) and normal anesthesia plus anal canal pressurization (n=15). Femoral arterial pressure, cardiac electricity, hippocampal field potentials and cellular discharge were recorded in the three groups. The normal anesthesia group did not receive intervention measures. The other two groups received acupuncture intervention after successful induction of abnormal blood pressure. Result In rats with normal urethane anesthesia, sleep-like periodic hippocampal electrical activity occurred with periodic cardiovascular activities and theta oscillations was corresponding to increased heart rates. In rats with deep anesthesia and hypotension, theta oscillations appeared in hippocampal network with increased blood pressure and heart rates after electroacupuncture (P<0.001). Anal canal pressurization induced increases in blood pressure and heart rates and caused theta oscillations in hippocampal network. During that time, electroacupuncture could still activate theta-related cells, reduce blood pressure and decrease heart rates (P<0.001). Conclusion Theta oscillations in hippocampal network are involved in the bidirectional regulating effect of electroacupuncture on abnormal cardiovascular activities.