Effect of Electroacupuncture on Impairment of Learning and Memory Induced by Chronic Stress and Cholinergic Function of Hippocampus in Rats

Objective :To study the effect of electroacupuncture on the spatial learning and memory dysfunction induced by chronic stress and cholinergic function of hippocampus in rats. Methods :The learning and memory impairment model in adult rats was induced by electric foot companied with noise.The spatial learning and memory abilities were observed by Morris water maze.Radioimmunoassay technology was used to measured the content of acetylcholine(Ach) and the activity of choline acetyltransferase(ChAT) and acetylcholinesterase(AchE). Results :Chronic stress induced spatial learning and memory dysfunction,and the content of Ach and the activity of ChAT and AchE in hippocampus were significantly decreased.Electroacupuncture improved stressful rats cognitive function and increased the content of Ach and the activity of ChAT and AchE in hippocampus. Conclusions :Improvement of the spatial learning and memory dysfunction by electroacupuncture in rats induced by chronic stress maybe via cholinergic nervous systerm in hippocampus.