目的观察电针对SAMP8小鼠海马神经元凋亡相关蛋白的影响,探讨电针治疗AD的作用机制。方法以SAMP8小鼠为研究对象,依据“补肾通督,醒神益智”的治疗原则,电针“百会”、“涌泉”,每日一次,连续治疗21d。用Morris水迷宫测试小鼠学习记忆能力的变化,评价电针对AD的治疗效应;用免疫组化法检测海马神经元中凋亡蛋Caspase-3、-9及凋亡抑制蛋白XIAP的表达。结果与空白组小鼠相比较,模型组小鼠平均逃避潜伏期明显延长和原平台像限停留时间明显缩短,海马神经元中Caspase-3、-9表达明显增高,XIAP表达明显减少;与模型组小鼠相比较,模针组小鼠治疗后平均逃避潜伏期缩短和原平台像限停留时间延长,学习记忆能力有所提高,海马神经元中Caspase-3、-9表达减少,而XIAP表达增高。结论电针对AD治疗效应的发挥可能与抑制凋亡蛋白表达和增加凋亡抑制蛋白的表达两个环节,抑制细胞凋亡线粒体途径的级联反应,减少细胞凋亡有关。
Objective To observe the influence of electro-acupuncture therapy on the apoptosis protein in hippocampal neuron of SAMP8 mice to partly explore its curative mechanism on Alzheimer's disease (AD) from aspect of inhibiting apoptosis. Methods SAMP8 mice were punctured on "Baihui (GV20)" and "Yongquan ( Kidneyl )" according to the therapeutic principle "tonifying kidney and activating govern vessel to revive brain and promote intelligence". The therapy was applied once daily and totally lasted for 21 days. The changes of learning and memory abilities were observed by morris water maze to evaluate the curative effect. The expressions of caspase-3, caspase-9 and XIAP in hippocampal neuron were detected by immunohistochemistry method. Results The average escaping latency time prolonged, platform limit residence time shortened, caspase-3, -9 expressions increased, XIAP expression decreased in model group comparing to those in control group. While the average escaping latency time shortened, platform limit residence time prolonged, caspase-3, -9 expressions decreased, XIAP expression increased in electro-acupuncture group comparing to those in model group. Conclusions The curative mechanism of electro-acupuncture therapy on AD may be related to inhibiting the apoptosis reaction of the mitochondrial route and reducing the apoptosis of hippocampal neuron by reducing the expressions of caspase-3 and -9 and increasing the expressions of XIAP.