Effects of scalp acupoint cluster needling on learning and memory ability and inflammatory mediators in hippocampal CA1 region of rats with Alzheimer's disease

Objective:To observe the effect of scalp acupoint cluster needling on learning and memory ability and inflammatory mediators in CA1 area of hippocampus in rats with Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods:A total of 40 SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank group,sham operation group,model group and scalp acupoint cluster needling group,with 10 rats in each group.The AD model was duplicated by injecting Abeta 1-42 solution into bilateral hippocampus in model group and scalp acupoint cluster needling group.The sham operation group was injected with the same amount of sterile hydrogen peroxide,while the blank group was not treated.The scalp acupoint cluster needling group was given acupuncture intervention from 2 d after model establishment.The blank group,sham operation group and model group were only bundled and fixed in the dorsal position once a day for 14 consecutive days.After treatment,the learning and memory ability of AD rats was tested by Morris water maze test,the contents and activities of Ach,ChAT and AcE in hippocampal CA1 area were detected by ELISA,and the expressions of IL-6,IL-10 protein and mRNA in hippocampal CA1 area were detected by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR,respectively.Results:Ach content,ChAT activity,IL-10 protein and mRNA expression in hippocampus were significantly lower than those in blank group,while AchE activity and IL-6 protein and mRNA expression were significantly higher than those in blank group.Compared with the model group,scalp acupoint cluster needling could significantly reduce the escape latency time,increase the number of crossing platforms and effective residence time,increase the content of Ach,the activity of ChAT,the expression of IL-10 protein and mRNA in hippocampus,and decrease the activity of AchE and the expression of IL-6 protein and mRNA.Conclusion:Controlling the expression of inflammatory factors and promoting the content of Ach in hippocampal CA1 region of AD rats can improve the learning and memory ability of AD rats.