Effect of electroacupuncture on pyroptosis of hippocampal neurons in mice with sepsis-associated encephalopathy / 中华麻醉学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on pyroptosis of hippocampal neurons in mice with sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE).Methods:Ninety male C57BL/6 mice, aged 8-12 weeks, weighing 22-25 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=30 each) by a random number table method: sham operation group (Sham group), SAE group and EA treatment group (EA group). Sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and puncture in anesthetized animals.Bilateral acupoints Zusanli (ST36) were stimulated at 2, 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery in group EA.The survival was observed on day 7 after surgery.Cognitive function was assessed by Morris water maze.Then the animals were sacrificed, and hippocampal tissues were obtained for determination of the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 1 (NLRP1), cysteine-containing aspartate-specific protease 1 (caspase-1), and Gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons (by Western blot) and content of activated caspase-1 (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results:Compared with group Sham, the survival rate was significantly decreased, postoperative escape latency was prolonged, the activity time spent in the target quadrant was shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was decreased, the expression of NLRP1, caspase-1 and GSDMD was up-regulated, and the content of activated caspase-1 was increased in group SAE ( P<0.05). Compared with group SAE, the survival rate was significantly increased, postoperative escape latency was shortened, the activity time spent in the target quadrant was prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, the expression of NLRP1, caspase-1 and GSDMD was down-regulated, and the content of activated caspase-1 was decreased in group EA ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The mechanism by which EA reduces SAE may be related to inhibiting pyrolysis in hippocampal neurons of mice.