Effect of electroacupuncture on Aβ and insulin degrading enzyme in the frontal cortex of senescence accelerated mouse/prone 8

Abstract

Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at Baihui , Shenshu and Taixi points on learning and memory, the expression of Aβ and insulin degrading enzyme(IDE) in the brain of SAMP8 mice. Methods Eight-month-old SAMR1 and SAMP8 mice were treated with electroacupuncture at Baihui , Shenshu and Taixi points for eight consecutive weeks.The distribution and expression of Aβ and IDE in the brain prefrontal cortex of mouse were observed using immunohistochemistry and Western blot.Learning and memory function was assayed by Morris water maze(MWM). Results Compared with the normal control group, the brain prefrontal cortex of SAMP8 mice showed increased Aβ levels ((179.02±15.11)%), decreased IDE protein expression ((51.35±14.94)%). MWM showed the escape latency in SAMP8 mice was significantly longer than that in the control group(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, Aβ levels in SAMP8 mice were markedly decreased in electroacupuncture group((119.72±9.21)%) and memantine-treated group ((116.84±12.09)%). IDE protein levels were increased by((92.06±8.05)%) and ((83.84±15.28)%)after treatment with electroacupuncture and memantine relative to model group.MWM showed the escape latency was significantly shorter in SAMP8 mice treated with electroacupuncture and memantine than that in the model group(P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture at Baihui , Shenshu and Taixi points can inhibit Aβ levels, increase the expression of IDE and improve the learning and memory function of SAMP8 mice. Key words: SAMP8 mouse; β-amyloid peptide; Kidney and brain; Alzheimer’s disease