Effect of Electroacupuncture on Expression of Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase/Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Alpha Pathway Related Proteins and Senile Plaque Deposition in Cortex of APP/PS1 Mice / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on expression of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/glycogen synthase kinase 3 alpha (PI3K/GSK3α) signaling pathway related proteins in cortex of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice, and the senile plaque (SP) deposit. Methods:Three-month-old male APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into model group (n = 6) and EA group (n = 6) after gene identification, and other six wild C57 mice were as control group. EA group accepted EA at Baihui (GV20) and bilateral Shenshu (BL23) for 14 days. Then, the amount of SP in cortex, the expression of P85α and P110α, subunits of PI3K, and GSK3α and pS21-GSK3α, were detected with Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results:The SP increased in the model group compared with that of the control group (P < 0.001), and it decreased in EA group compared with that of the model group (P < 0.001). All the proteins expressed in the cytoplasm of cortical neurons. The expression of pS21-GSK3α, P110α and P85α decreased in the model group compared with that of the control group (P < 0.01), while the expression of GSK3α increased (P < 0.05). The expression of pS21-GSK3α, P110α and P85α increased in EA group compared with that of the model group (P < 0.01), while the expression of GSK3α decreased (P < 0.05). Conclusion:EA may adjust the PI3K/GSK3α signaling pathway, to reduce the formation and deposition of SP in APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice.