Specific Mode Electroacupuncture Stimulation Mediates the Delivery of NGF Across the Hippocampus Blood–Brain Barrier Through p65-VEGFA-TJs to Improve the Cognitive Function of MCAO/R Convalescent Rats

Abstract

Cognitive impairment frequently presents as a prevalent consequence following stroke, imposing significant burdens on patients, families, and society. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and underlying mechanism of nerve growth factor (NGF) in treating post-stroke cognitive dysfunction in rats with cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury (MCAO/R) through delivery into the brain using specific mode electroacupuncture stimulation (SMES). From the 28th day after modeling, the rats were treated with NGF mediated by SMES, and the cognitive function of the rats was observed after treatment. Learning and memory ability were evaluated using behavioral tests. The impact of SMES on blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, the underlying mechanism of cognitive enhancement in rats with MCAO/R, including transmission electron microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and TUNEL staining. We reported that SMES demonstrates a safe and efficient ability to open the BBB during the cerebral ischemia repair phase, facilitating the delivery of NGF to the brain by the p65-VEGFA-TJs pathway. Graphical Abstract By Figdraw