Effect of Electroacupuncture on Striatal D1R and DAT Expressions in Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Rats / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) tool drugs and combined acupuncture and medicine on striatal expressions of D1R and dopamine transporters (DAT) in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-reperfusion rats.MethodForty-seven male SD rats were randomly grouped, used to make a model and given corresponding interventions. The materials were taken and fixed six hrs later. Striatal D1R and DAT expressions were detectedby an immunohistochemical method in different groups.ResultThe neurological deficit score was significantly higher in the model group than in the blank group. Electroacupuncture treatment decreased the score significantly (P0.05). DAT expression was significantly down-regulated in the other groups compared with the model group (P0.05).ConclusionCerebral ischemia-reperfusion can result in high D1R and DAT expressions in rat striatum on the ischemic side. Electroacupuncture, D1R antagonists and a combination of the two can significantly down-regulate D1R expression and have a protective effect on the brain. The effects of electroacupuncture and D1R antagonists can not be added to each other. D1R signaling pathway may be one of ways by which electroacupuncture produces a protective effecton the brain.