Abstract: Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on learning and memory, and discuss the therapeutic mechanism. Methods 45 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (n=15), model group (n=15) and electroacupuncture group (n= 15). The latter 2 groups were modeled with middle cerebral artery occlusion for 1.5 h and reperfusion. The rats of electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at Shenting (DU24) and Baihui (DU20) for 7 days. Learning and memory ability was tested with Morris water maze. Neurologic impairment was assessed with Longa's score. Their hippocampus were observed under HE staining and the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) protein were determined with Western blotting. Results Compared with the model group, the latency of water maze decreased and the times crossing the platform increased in electroacupuncture group (P<0.05), while the Longa's score significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the lesion of nerve cells were alleviated, with the decrease of p75NTR and increase of BDNF in the ischemic hippocampus (P<0.01). Conclusion Electroacupuncture can improve the learning and memory of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats, which may relate with up-regulating BDNF and down-regulating p75NTR in hippocampus.

Key words: cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, learning and memory, electroacupuncture, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, p75 neurotrophin receptor, rats