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Electro-acupuncture stimulation protects dopaminergic neurons from inflammation-mediated damage in medial forebrain
Xian-Yu Liu1, Hui-Fang Zhou, Yan-Li Pan
1Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100083, PR China.
Abstract:
Through producing a variety of cytotoxic factors upon activation, microglia are believed to participate in the mediation of neurodegeneration. Intervention against microglial activation may therefore exert a neuroprotective effect. Our previous study has shown that the electro-acupuncture (EA) stimulation at 100 Hz can protect axotomized dopaminergic neurons from degeneration. To explore the underlying mechanism, the effects of 100 Hz EA stimulation on medial forebrain bundle (MFB) axotomy-induced microglial activation were investigated. Complement receptor 3 (CR3) immunohistochemical staining revealed that 24 sessions of 100 Hz EA stimulation (28 days after MFB transection) significantly inhibited the activation of microglia in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) induced by MFB transection. Moreover, 100 Hz EA stimulation obviously inhibited the upregulation of the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1beta mRNA in the ventral midbrains in MFB-transected rats, as revealed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). ED1 immunohistochemical staining showed that a large number of macrophages appeared in the substantia nigra (SN) 14 days after MFB transection. The number of macrophages decreased by 47% in the rats that received 12 sessions of EA simulation after MFB transection. These data indicate that the neuroprotective role of 100 Hz EA stimulation on dopaminergic neurons in MFB-transected rats is likely to be mediated by suppressing axotomy-induced inflammatory responses. Taken together with our previous results, this study suggests that the neuroprotective effect of EA on the dopaminergic neurons may stem from the collaboration of its anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic actions.
Insights
Electro-acupuncture (EA) at 100 Hz reduces neuroinflammation by inhibiting microglial activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This electro-acupuncture treatment protects dopaminergic neurons following medial forebrain bundle injury, suggesting a dual neuroprotective mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Neuroinflammation
Background:
- Microglial activation releases cytotoxic factors, contributing to neurodegeneration.
- Targeting microglial activation may offer neuroprotection.
- Previous studies indicated 100 Hz electro-acupuncture (EA) protects axotomized dopaminergic neurons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of 100 Hz EA neuroprotection.
- To examine EA's effect on medial forebrain bundle (MFB) axotomy-induced microglial activation.
Main Methods:
- Complement receptor 3 (CR3) and ED1 immunohistochemistry were used to assess microglial and macrophage activation.
- Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) quantified tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) mRNA levels.
- MFB transection model in rats was employed.
Main Results:
- 100 Hz EA stimulation significantly inhibited microglial activation in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) 28 days post-MFB transection.
- EA suppressed the upregulation of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta mRNA in ventral midbrains.
- 12 sessions of EA reduced macrophage presence in the substantia nigra (SN) by 47% 14 days post-MFB transection.
Conclusions:
- The neuroprotective effect of 100 Hz EA on dopaminergic neurons is likely mediated by suppressing axotomy-induced inflammatory responses.
- EA's neuroprotection may involve a combination of anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic actions.
- 100 Hz EA demonstrates potential as a therapeutic intervention for neurodegenerative conditions involving inflammation.