Experimental study on different courses of electro-acupuncture treatment on behavior of model mice with radiographic exposure

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of different courses of electro-acupuncture at Baihui, Fengfu, and Shenshu of both sides on the behavior of mice exposed to radiation. Methods Fifty C57BL/6J mice 30 days old were randomly and equally divided into control group, model group (exposure to radiation of 8 Gy), electro-acupuncture group 1(1 week of treatment), electro-acupuncture group 2(2 weeks of treatment), and electro-acupuncture group 3(3 weeks of treatment). The mouse model of radiation-induced brain injury was established by exposure to radiation of 8 Gy and treated with electro-acupuncture. The open field test and Morris water maze test were used to evaluate the cognitive function and spatial learning and memory, respectively. Group t-test difference. Results In the open field test, the model group had significantly fewer vertical or horizontal movements than the control group (P=0.032, 0.029, 0.028), while the electro-acupuncture groups 2 and 3 had significantly more vertical or horizontal movements than the model group (P=0.001, 0.017, 0.000). In the Morris water maze test, compared with the control group, the model group had significantly longer latency, a significantly lower frequency of entry into the goal box, and significantly shortened residence time, indicating substantially worse performance of spatial learning and memory (P=0.023, 0.001, 0.001). Compared with the model group, the electro-acupuncture groups 2 and 3 had significantly shortened latency, a significantly higher frequency of entry into the goal box, and significantly longer residence time (P=0.046, 0.017, 0.049, 0.007, 0.031, 0.009). Conclusions Different courses of electro-acupuncture treatment at Baihui, Fengfu, and Shenshu of both sides can substantially improve the cognitive function and spatial learning and memory in mice exposed to radiation. Particularly, 2 and 3 weeks of electro-acupuncture treatment give the best outcomes. Key words: X-ray irradiation; Learning and memory; Electro-acupuncture; Neuronal stem cell