Electroacupuncture ameliorate learning and memory by improving N-acetylaspartate and glutamate metabolism in APP/PS1 mice

• Main Authors: Ruhui Lin, Long Li, Yingzheng Zhang, Sheng Huang, Shangjie Chen, Jiao Shi, Peiyuan Zhuo, Hao Jin, Zuanfang Li, Weilin Liu, Zhifu Wang, Lidian Chen, Jing Tao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2018-07-01
• Series: Biological Research
• Subjects: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS); Electroacupuncture; Learning and memory; N-Acetylaspartate (NAA); Glutamate (Glu)
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40659-018-0166-7

Abstract Objective To explore the precise mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) to delay cognitive impairment in Alzheimer disease. Methods N-Acetylaspartate (NAA), glutamate (Glu) and myoinositol (mI) metabolism were measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, learning and memory of APP/PS1 mouse was evaluated by the Morris water maze test and the step-down avoidance test, neuron survival number and neuronal structure in the hippocampus were observed by Nissl staining, and BDNF and phosphorylated TrkB detected by Western blot. Results EA at DU20 acupuncture significantly improve learning and memory in behavioral tests, up-regulate NAA, Glu and mI metabolism, increase the surviving neurons in hippocampus, and promote the expression of BDNF and TrkB in the APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Conclusion These findings suggested that EA is a potential therapeutic for ameliorate cognitive dysfunction, and it might be due to EA could improve NAA and Glu metabolism by upregulation of BDNF in APP/PS1 mice.