Hippocampal memory enhancing activity of pine needle in scopolamine-induced mouse model

Abstract

Purpose: This study aim on the associated protein of hippocampal neurons in rats with depression, filtering out the possible target of acupuncture by biotin label-based antibody array. Methods: 1. Established model: 30 SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group,model group, EA group. In addition to the control group, the remaining two groups were modeling 28 days by chronic unpredictable mild stress combinedwith solitary raisingmethods to establish rat depression model. 2. Interventions: EA was given at points Baihui (Du 20), Yintang (Extra) for twentyminutes (intermittentwave, 30min) 1 hour before the modeling. 3. Behavioral detection: Behavioral tests were given to evaluate if the model is successful. 4. Index detection: Using biotin label-based antibody array to detect the protein expression of hippocampal neurons in rats with depression. Results: 1. Effects on rat behavior: After 28 days, compared with the control group, behaviors were all significantly reduced. Compared with the model group, weight of EA group was significantly increased, sugar intake were significantly higher, crossing number of grid were significantly increased, standing times were also. 2. Expression of proteins in neurons: compare to the control group, the protein expression of RAGE and Activin A in the model group are upregulation (fold change = 1.356,1.240). Compared to the model group, RAGE and Activin A expression are downregulation in EA group (fold change=0.617, 0.624). Expression of proteins in astrocytes: the protein expression of CNTF Ra and EGFR in model group are upregulation to the control one (fold change=l.503,1.373). But they are downregulation in EA group to the model group (fold change=0.728,0.505). Conclusion: 1. EA may can improve behavioral abnormalities in rats with depression. 2. Expression of RAGE, ActivinA, CNTFRa, EGFR in model group have the increasing trend, and EA may can reduce this trend. 3. This study filtered out some possible targets of acupuncture. Contact: Yu Guo, gy046@126.com