Effect of Zhu Lian Acupuncture Exciting Method on Nerve Cell Apoptosis and the Expressions of PI3K, AKt and Caspase-3 Proteins in Young Rats with Hypoxic-ischemic Brain Damage / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effect of different time intervention of Zhu Lian acupuncture exciting method on nerve cell apoptosis and tissue expressions of PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase), AKt (serine/threonine kinase) and Caspase-3 (cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3) proteins in young rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage.Methods Fifty 7-day-old rats were randomized into groups A (acupuncture exciting methodⅠ), B (acupuncture exciting methodⅡ), C (model), D (sham operation) and E (normal control), 10 rats each. Groups A and E began to receive acupuncture in 24 hours after model making and group B, at 8 days after model making. Groups C and D were not given acupuncture. Every group of animals was sacrificed at 21 days after model making. Nerve cell apoptosis was examined using In situ end labeling (TUNEL) technique. Cerebral expressions of PI3K, AKt and Caspase-3 proteins were determined by immunohistochemical method.Results The number of apoptotic cells was significantly smaller in groups A and B than in group C (P<0.01,P<0.05) and decreased significantly in group A compared with group B (P<0.05). The expressions of PI3K and AKt proteins increased significantly and the expression of Caspase-3 protein decreased significantly in groups A and B compared with group C; there were statistically significant differences (P<0.01,P<0.05). PI3K expression increased significantly and Caspase-3 protein expression decreased significantly in group A compared with group B (P<0.05); there were statistically significant differences (P<0.05).Conclusions Zhu Lian acupuncture exciting method can inhibit nerve cell apoptosis, stimulate the expression of PI3K/AKt signaling pathway, increase PI3K and AKt activities and reduce the expression of Caspase-3 protein in young rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. Early intervention of Zhu Lian acupuncture exciting method is of important significance in producing a protective effect on brain nerves in young rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage.