The genome-wide expression profile of electroacupuncture in DNP-KLH immunized mice

Previously, we demonstrated that electoracupuncture (EA) suppressed allergic reactions in DNP-KLH immunized mice. In this study, the mechanisms by which EA induces immunomodulation in the immunized mice were evaluated by genome-wide microarray analysis. The anti-allergic effects of EA in DNP-KLH immunized mice were confirmed by analyzing antigen specific IgE using ELISA. Microarray analysis, followed by real time RT-PCR validation, revealed that Th1 and Th17 cytokine-, opioid peptide-, and anti-apoptosis-related genes were up-regulated upon treatment with EA. In addition, significant decreases in Th2 cytokine-, MAPK signaling pathway-, and apoptosis-related genes were observed following EA treatment.