CInfluence of Acupuncture on Expression of bcl-2 and bax in Cerebral Cortex in Rats with Multi-infarct Dementia

Objective To observe the influence of acupuncture on the expression of bax mRNA and protein of cerebral cortex in rats with multi.infarct dementia MID . Methods The MID in rats was established by infusion of autogeneic thrombus into carotid internal artery.The selected rats were randomly divided into four groups: model group,acupuncture group,non.acupoint group and sham operation group.In the acupuncture group Renzhong point,Neiguan point and Fengchi point were selected,while in the non.acupoint group two non.acupoint in the bilateral latus were used.The acupuncture was pricked once a day.The rats in the model and sham operation group were only caught and grasped at a same time interval and degree.Two weeks after treatment,the rats were killed by head.dislocation and the tissue of left brain was harvested.The expression of bcl.2,bax mRNA and protein was observed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Result The expression of bcl.2,bax mRNA and protein in cerebral cortex in model group increased obviously.Further increase of bcl.2 mRNA and protein expression was found after acupuncture.But the expression of bax mRNA and protein decreased. Conclusion The acupuncture may promote the expression of bcl.2 mRNA and protein in cerebral cortex and inhibit the expression of bax mRNA and protein in cerebral cortex in rats with MID.This action may protect brain tissue and possesses acupoint specificity.