Effects of electroacupuncture at auricular concha area on the circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion in p-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia rats

Backgroud:The electroacupuncture of auricular concha area(EA-ACR)proved to have a good regulatory effect on insomnia and the release of melatonin,which is most closely related to sleep.However,there is little research to demonstrate the relationship between EA-ACR and melatonin.The objective of present study is to observe the effects of EA-ACR on the circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion in p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)-induced insomnia rats.Methods:The study divided 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats randomly into three groups:12 in blank group,12 in model group,and 12 in EA-ACR group.By using PCPA intraperitoneal injection for 2 days,insomnia model was established.EA-ACR group was treated for 28 days.We observed the effects of EA-ACR on the rats'behavioral changes,open-field test and weight during the experiment.After the experiment,the rat tail and heart blood were collected,and the melatonin was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:Compared with the blank group,28–30 hours after PCPA intraperitoneal injection,the circadian rhythm of sleep and the total sleep time of model rats decreased.Compared with the model group,electrical stimulation in the ear concha region could effectively reverse the behavioral changes of rats,and increase the trend of weight growth(P=0.010),the crossing score(P=0.014),vertical motion score(P=0.015)and the level of plasma melatonin secretion(P=0.020)with the trend showing a rhythmic pattern(0–60 minutes upward,60–120 minutes downward,120–150 minutes upward).Conclusion:EA-ACR can improve the quality of life(weight),ameliorate exploring irritable and anxiety behaviors in PCPA-induced insomnia rats.The underlying effects of EA-ACR may be excited on the circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion in PCPA-induced insomnia rats.

Effect of Electroacupuncture on Serum Copper, Zinc, Calcium and Magnesium Levels in the Depression Rats

Objective: To investigate effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on serum copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium levels in the rat models of depression. Methods: Forty healthy SD male rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, an EA group, and a maprotiline group, 10 in each with completely random. The depression models were prepared with isolated chronic unpredictable stress method in the latter three groups. EA was given at Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (EX-HN3), Fenglong (ST 40), and Taichong (LR 3) in the EA group from the second day of modeling, once every other day, 15 min each time. The maprotiline group was administered intragastrically suspension of maprotiline (10 mg/kg), once each day. After treatment for 3 weeks, serum copper and zinc levels were detected with atomic absorption method, and the serum calcium with Arsenazo Ⅲ method and magnesium with MTB method. Results: Compared with the normal group, the serum copper level (3.90±1.20mmol/L) significantly increased and the serum zinc level (2.08±0.44mmol/L) significantly decreased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the serum copper level (2.62±1.03mmol/L) significantly decreased, the serum zinc level (2.55±0.38mmol/L) significantly increased (P<0.05), but the serum calcium and magnesium levels did not significantly change in the EA group and the maprotiline group. Conclusion: EA can regulate the change of copper and zinc levels in the body induced by depression, which is possibly one of mechanisms of effectively improving depression symptoms.