Electroacupuncture promotes synaptic plasticity in rats with chronic inflammatory pain–related depression by upregulating BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway

Abstract

BackgroundChronic inflammatory pain (CIP) frequently coincides with depression among patients. The onset and development of pain and depression are associated with altered neural synaptic plasticity. Electroacupuncture (EA) can effectively relieve CIP and depression. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully illustrated.ObjectiveTo explore whether EA can relieve CIP and depression by regulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity, and the present study offers foundational evidence for the efficacy of EA in treating CIP‐related depression (CIPD).MethodsRats were divided into four groups: 0.9% normal saline group, complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) group, CFA + duloxetine group, and CFA + EA group. Pain hypersensitivity was detected by mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal paw withdrawal latency, and the depression level was gauged using the open field test, the sucrose preference test, and the forced swimming test. The morphology of the hippocampal neurons was observed using Nissl staining. The protein expression levels of synuclein (Syn), postsynaptic density protein‐95 (PSD‐95), brain‐derived neurotrophic factors (BDNFs), tyrosine‐protein kinase B (TrKB), p‐TrkB, cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and p‐CREB were measured by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression were detected using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (qRT‐PCR). The content of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) was detected using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the glutamic acid (Glu) content was determined using the ultraviolet colorimetry method. The hippocampal neuron ultrastructure was observed using transmission electron microscopy.ResultsEA could alleviate CIP and related depressive behaviors as well as protect the hippocampal neuronal structure from damage and regulate 5‐HT/GABA/Glu levels in the hippocampus. Additionally, EA could significantly increase the expression of synapse‐associated proteins such as PSD‐95 and Syn by activating the BDNF/TrKB/CREB signaling pathway.ConclusionEA improves pain and depressive behaviors in CIPD rats, and the mechanism may be related to synaptic plasticity mediated by the BDNF/TrKB/CREB signaling pathway.

Structural Characterization and Antidepressant-Like Effects of <em>Polygonum sibiricum </em>Polysaccharides Associated with Regulating Microglial Polarization in Cums-Induced Zebrafish

“…The present study evaluated the effects of CUMS and PSP on zebrafish brain neurons through Nissl staining and TEM observation. Nissl staining can reflect neurons' survival and neuroplasticity levels to a certain extent [27]. The results showed that neurons were irregularly distributed as well as Nissl-bodied disintegrated, and the IOD value significantly decreased in the mesencephalon of CUMS-induced zebrafish, which indicated that the neurons were obviously damaged after CUMS exposure.…”