Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of citicoline injection into Zusanli point (ST36) on learning and memory function of rats after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods The model was induced with the improved Feeney method. The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham-operation group, control group, acupuncture point saline injection group, intraperitoneal drug injection group and acupuncture point drug injection group with 8 rats in each group. The rats in the acupuncture point drug or saline injection group were treated with acupuncture injection of citicoline or saline daily. The rats in the intraperitoneal drug injection group and control group were treated with intraperitoneal injection of citicoline or saline daily. The treatment continued for 14 d. The learning and memory function was evaluated with the Morris water maze test and passive avoidance test. Results Acupuncture point injection of citicoline can significantly shorten the escape latent period of TBI rats in Morris water tests and extend the latent period of learning and memory of TBI rats (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture point injection is effective on the recovery of learning and memory function of rats after TBI.

Key words: traumatic brain injury, citicoline, acupuncture point therapy, learning and memory, passive avoidance, Morris water maze