Effect of Electro-Acupuncture on GAP-43 and c-fos of Hippocampal Neurons in Ischemia Side and Relationship between Effects and Learning and Memory in Cerebral Infarction Rats

Objective: This study aims to explore the effects and mechanism of electro acupuncture on the learning and memory,as well as plasticity of central nervous system in rats with cerebral infarction,through observing the effects of electro acupuncture on the learning and memory as well as GAP-43 and c-fos in the hippocampus neurons of rats with cerebral infarction. Methods: 8 of56 rats were selected out as sham operated group. The remaining 48 rats were randomly divided into two groups afer occlusion of MCAO: 24 rats in both electro acupuncture group and control group. Electro acupuncture( BaihuiDazhui) were given to the rats of the Electro acupuncture group 24 hours after operation, while those in control groups were reared in their original living state. Learning and memory was assessed by using Morris water maze. The expression of GAP-43 and c-fos in hippocampus was displayed using immunohistochemistry( the method was SABC). Results: Morris water maze learning ability in electro acupuncture groups exceeded that of control group,and there is obvious difference compared with control group( P 0. 05). Further more,it is obvious that the percent of swimming time in the platform quadrant and the frequency of cross the platform in electro acupuncture group than that in the control group( P 0. 05). The result of immunohistochemistry indicated that the positive expression of GAP-43 and cfos in hippocampus CA3 region at Electro acupuncture group exceeded that of control group( P 0. 05). Conclusion: The results suggested that the abilities of learning and memory in cerebral infarction rats were affected by Electro acupuncture( BaihuiDazhui),which may be accomplished by increasing GAP-43 and c-fos expression in hippocampus CA3 region,then protecting hippocampus cells from apoptosis. Electro acupuncture( BaihuiDazhui ) can promote recovery of the cerebral infarcted neural function and improve the ability of learning and memory in cerebral infarction rats.