Subacute electroacupuncture at Baihui (GV 20) and Dazhui (GV 14) promotes post-stroke functional recovery via neurogenesis and astrogliosis in a photothrombotic stroke mouse model

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the optimal timing and underlying mechanism of electroacupuncture(EA)at Baihui(GV 20)and Dazhui(GV 14)for improved long-term functional recovery after focal cerebral ischemia in a photothrombotic stroke mouse model.METHODS:Totally 50 adult male C57 BL/6 J mice were assigned into 5 groups:(a)the control group,sham-operated mice(n=10);(b)the vehicle group,focal cerebral ischemia induction without EA(n=10);(c)the acute EA group,mice received EA immediately post-ischemia,followed by once-daily treatments for 7 consecutive days(n=10);(d)the subacute EA group,mice received EA 4 days post-ischemia,followed by once-daily treatments for 7 consecutive days(n=10);(e)the delayed EA group.EA stimulation(2 Hz,2 V for 20 min)was applied to acupuncture points(acupoints),Baihui(GV 20)and Dazhui(GV 14),once a day for 7 consecutive days beginning immediately(acute treatment),4 d(subacute treatment)and 10 d(delayed treatment)after focal cerebral ischemia in C57 BL/6 J mice.Behavioral assessments were conducted 21 and 28 d post-ischemia and histopathological analyses were performed 28 days post-ischemia.RESULTS:The subacute EA treatment at Baihui(GV20)and Dazhui(GV 14)significantly improved functional recovery compared to the vehicle group 28 d after ischemic brain injury,although brain atrophy was not reduced.The number of Neu N+and Neu N+/Brd U+cells as well as GFAP intensity in the ipsilateral cortex were significantly increased in the subacute group compared to the vehicle group 28 d post-ischemia.We concluded that EA stimulation 4 d post-ischemia(subacute treatment)enhanced neurogenesis and astrogliosis,likely contributing to long-term functional recovery following focal cerebral ischemia.CONCLUSION:Our findings suggest that the timing of the EA therapy at Baihui(GV 20)and Dazhui(GV 14)determines the therapeutic effects in mice with focal cerebral ischemia induced by photothrombotic occlusion.

Extracts from Paeonia lactiflora Pallas, Rehmannia Glutinosa var. Purpurea Makino, Perilla Frutescens var. Acuta Kudo may increase the endometrial receptivity through expression of leukemia inhibitory factor and adhesion molecules

OBJECTIVE: To find out the combination of the extracts from Paeonia lactiflora Pallas(PL), Rehmannia Glutinosa var. Purpurea Makino(RG), Perilla Frutescens var. Acuta Kudo(PF) to increase endometrial receptivity.METHODS: Herbal medicines were extracted with boiling water and polysaccharides were removed.We examined the effect of PL, RG, and PF(PRP), a most effective herbal formula deduced from constitutive ingredient herbs of Antai Yin which is composed of PRP, on the leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF) expression and endometrial receptivity.RESULTS: The combination of the extracts from PRP induced the LIF expression in Ishikawa cells and increased the adhesion between Ishikawa and JAr cells. In addition, PRP-induced attachment of JAr cells onto Ishikawa cells and expression of adhesion molecules, ITGAV, ITGB5, CD44 s, and Lselectin, are significantly reduced by knock-down of LIF expression.CONCLUSION: Induced by the combination of the PRP extracts, the adhesion between trophoblast and endometrial cells are mediated by expression of LIF and adhesion molecules. Thus, we suggest the combination of the PRP extracts may be a novel therapy for enhancing embryo implantation rate.