Abstract: Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of acupuncture on sleep deprivation depression (SDD). Methods 36 Wistar rats with similar Open-Field score were divided into normal group, model group, and acupuncture group, 12 rats in each group. Except normal group, the other groups received different stress for 18 d, and then were deprived rapid eye sleep for 72 h. Acupuncture group received acupuncture 1 h/d before the stress for 21 d. Their behaviors were observed and the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A and 2A receptors (5-HT1AR and 5-HT_2AR) mRNA in hippocampus were determined. Results There was significant decrease in the autonomic-behavior in the model group compared with the normal group (P<0.01). The autonomic-behavior in acupuncture group increased compared with the model group (P<0.01). The expression of 5-HT1AR mRNA in hippocampus of model group decreased and the 5-HT_2AR mRNA increased compared with the normal group (P<0.01). The expression of 5-HT1AR mRNA increased and the 5-HT_2AR mRNA decreased in the hippocampus of acupuncture group compared with model group (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture is effective on SDD by re-balance the function of 5-HT receptors.

Key words: sleep deprivation depression, 5-hydroxytryptamine, receptors, acupuncture, rats