Effect of Electro-Acupuncture on Houhai Acupoint on Learning and Memory Ability and JNK Protein Expression in Hippocampal CA1 of Rats with Vascular Dementia

Objective:To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture(EA) on Houhai acupoint on learning and memory ability and JNK protein expression in hippocampal CA1 of rats with vascular dementia(VD). Methods:24 rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,EA on Houhai group and EA non-acupoint group. Each group had 6 rats. Rats of VD models were established by 2 vessels obstruction(2-VO).Three courses of electro-acupuncture on Houhai acupoint was given for rats in the EA on Houhai group.Morris water maze was used to assess their learning and memory ability and immunohistochemistry was used to assess the change of JNK protein in hippocampal CA1. Results:Compared with the sham operation group,the average latent period of the model group significantly prolonged,the times of crossing platform decreased and JNK protein expression of hippocampal CA1 increased(P 0.05). Compared with the model group,the average latent period of EA on Houhai group shortened,the times of crossing platform increased and JNK protein expression of hippocampal CA1 decreased(P 0.05). But EA non-acupoint group didn 't show significant difference. Conclusion:EA on Houhai acupoint can improve learning and memory ability of vascular dementia rats,whose mechanism is probably related to decreasing JNK protein expression in hippocampal CA1.