Effect of Acupuncture on Spatial Learning and Memory Abilities and Hippocampal CA3 Regional BDNF in Rats with Post-stroke Depression / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effects of acupuncture at points Baihui (GV20), Yintang (Ex-HN3) and Sishencong (Ex-HN1) on spatial learning and memory abilities and hippocampal expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in a rat model of post-stroke depression (PSD). Method Thirty male adult SD rats were allocated, using a random number table, tocontrol, acupuncture and sham operation groups, 10 rats each. A rat model of PSD was made by classical middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) using an intraluminal thread technique, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and solitary feeding. At the fourteenth day after the beginning of stress, the acupuncture group received acupuncture intervention for 14 consecutive days. At one week after the end of stress, the Morris water maze test was conducted to assess rat spatial learning and memory abilities. After the completion of the water maze test, hippocampal CA3 regional BDNF expression was determined by immunohistochemical method. Result Rat learning and memory abilities decreased significantly in the control group compared with the sham operation group (P<0.05). Space exploration time and the number of crossing platform reflecting memory abilities decreased significantly in the control group (22.36±6.20 s and 3.72±0.90 times, respectively) compared with the sham operation group (48.73±5.40 s and 8.60±1.10 times, respectively); there were statistically significant differences (P<0.01). Learning abilities, space exploration time, the number of crossing platform and BDNF expression increased significantly in PSD rats treated with acupuncture compared with the control group; there were statistically significant differences (P<0.01). Conclusion Acupuncture can improve spatial learning and memory abilities and raise hippocampal regional BDNF levels in rats with post-stroke depression.