The Alterations of IL‐1Beta, IL‐6, and TGF‐Beta Levels in Hippocampal CA3 Region of Chronic Restraint Stress Rats after Electroacupuncture (EA) Pretreatment

Abstract

Immunological reactions induced by proinflammatory cytokines have been involved in the pathogenesis of depressive disorders. Recent studies showed that Electroacupuncture (EA) was able to reduce depressive symptoms; however, the underlying mechanism and its potential targets remain unknown. In the present study, we used a 21-day chronic restraint stress rats as a model to investigate how EA could alleviate depression. Open field test was carried out to evaluate the depressive symptoms at selected time points. At the end of study, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect the expressions of IL-1beta, IL-6, and TGF-beta in hippocampal CA3 region. We found that chronic restraint stress significantly decreased behavioral activities, whereas EA stimulation at points Baihui (GV 20) and Yintang (GV 29) showed protective effect during the test period. In addition, the IL-1beta, IL-6, and TGF-beta increased in rats exposed to chronic restraint stress, while EA downregulated the levels of IL-1beta and IL-6. These findings implied that EA pretreatment could alleviate depression through modulating IL-1beta and IL-6 expression levels in hippocampal CA3 region.

Antidepressant-like effects of acupuncture involved the ERK signaling pathway in rats

“…The decrease in sucrose consumption is considered as the inhibition of the brain reward system [ 38 ]. The OFT has been used widely to assess the anxiety behaviors [ 39 ]; however, it also can be used to evaluate the spontaneous activity in rodents [ 34 , 40 , 41 ]. Increased immobility in the FST is often anthropomorphized as an expression of despair; however, it can also be understood as a successful and adaptive behavioral response that functions to conserve energy [ 42 ].…”

“…Acupuncture has been extensively used to treat depression in East Asian countries and has exhibited effective results in clinics. According to traditional Chinese medicine, Baihui (GV-20) and Yintang (GV-29) are points pertaining to Governor Meridian [ 34 ] and Governor Meridian has a direct contact with brain through channels and collaterals [ 41 ]. Thus, the acupoints of Baihui (GV-20) and Yintang (GV-29) are commonly used for treating depression [ 65 ].…”

“…Each rat was allowed to freely explore the arena for 5 min. The activity of the rat was recorded by a video camera installed on top of the lateral high wall, similar to our previous experiment [ 34 ]. Two observers, blind to the experiment, counted the crossing number (defined as at least three paws in a square) and the rearing number (defined as the rat standing upright on its hind legs).…”

Acupuncture as a Treatment Modality in Dermatology: A Systematic Review

“…Studies on rats have shown decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokinesincluding tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin-1b, and interleukin-6-after stimulation with acupuncture. [45][46][47][48][49] The underlying mechanism of these findings is unclear, but suppression of cytokine synthesis via outputs from the HPA axis has been proposed. 38 The mechanism through which acupuncture may treat chloasma (or melasma) has not been as extensively studied.…”

Alteration of Behavioral Changes and Hippocampus Galanin Expression in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress‐Induced Depression Rats and Effect of Electroacupuncture Treatment

“…Brain and Governor Meridian have a direct contact on channels and collaterals. Based on the principle of Meridians pass, indications considered selecting Governor Meridian to treat mind illnesses related to brain, conforming to the Traditional Chinese Medicine saying “searching for the primary cause of disease in treatment.” Meanwhile, EA treatment design of our study embodies one of the most critical theories in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the principle of “treating diseases prior to its onset” which attaches great significance on disease preventions [ 55 ].…”