Effect of Electroacupuncture with Different Frequencies on Learning and Memory Ability and Synapse in Hippo-camp in Rats with Alzheimer's Disease / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture with different frequencies on learning and memory ability, synaptic morphology and synaptic density in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease rats. Methods Forty-eight healthy Wistar rats were randomly di-vided into normal group, sham operation group, model group, 2 Hz, 30 Hz and 50 Hz electroacupuncture groups with 8 cases in each group. The Alzheimer's disease model was established by injecting Aβ1-42 into two sides of lateral cerebral ventricle. The sham operation group was injected with normal saline instead. The electroacupuncture groups received electroacupuncture at Baihui (DU20) and Shenshu (BL23) acu-points. The learning and memory ability was evaluated with Morris water maze test, and the morphology and density of synapse were ob-served by electron microscope. Results Compared with the model group, the latency was shorter, the time of crossing the platform was short-er and the number of crossing the platform was more in the electroacupuncture groups (P<0.01), especially in the 50 Hz electroacupuncture group (P<0.01). The number of synapse and the synaptic density were more in the electroacupuncture groups than in the model group (P<0.01), especially in the 50 Hz electroacupuncture group (P<0.01). Conclusion Electroacupuncture could improve learning and memory abili-ty and increase synaptic density in rats with Alzheimer's disease, especially with high frequency.