Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Author Spotlight: Improving Anesthesia Protocols for Enhanced Mouse Acupuncture Research
Published on: December 8, 2023
Effects of shenque moxibustion on behavioral changes and brain oxidative state in apolipoprotein e-deficient mice
Juntian Liu1, Baixiao Zhao1, Yingxue Cui2
1School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.
Abstract:
Purpose. To determine whether moxibustion influences the learning and memory behavior of ApoE-/- male mice, and investigate the mechanism of moxibustion on the alteration of oxidized proteins (glial fibrillary acidic protein, β-amyloid) in hippocampus. Methods. Thirty-three ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 11/group): moxibustion, sham moxibustion, and no treatment control. Wild-type C57BL/6 mice (n = 13) were used for normal control. Moxibustion was performed with Shenque (RN8) moxibustion for 20 minutes per day, 6 days/week for 12 weeks. In sham control, the procedure was similar except burning of the moxa stick. Behavioral tests (step-down test and Morris water maze task) were conducted in the 13th week. The mice were then sacrificed and the tissues were harvested for immune-histochemical staining. Results. In the step-down test, the moxibustion group had shorter reaction time in training record and committed less mistakes compared to sham control. In immune-histochemical study, the moxibustion group expressed lower level of GFAP and less aggregation of β-amyloid in the hippocampus than the sham control. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that moxibustion may enhance learning capability of ApoE-/- mice. The mechanism may be via inhibiting oxidized proteins (GFAP and β-amyloid) in astrocytes.
Insights
Moxibustion treatment improved learning and memory in ApoE-/- mice by reducing oxidized proteins like glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and beta-amyloid in the hippocampus.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Integrative and Complementary Medicine
- Animal Models of Disease
Background:
- Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice exhibit learning and memory deficits.
- Oxidative stress and protein aggregation (GFAP, β-amyloid) are implicated in cognitive decline.
- Moxibustion is a traditional therapy with potential neuroprotective effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of moxibustion on learning and memory in ApoE-/- mice.
- To explore the underlying mechanism involving oxidized proteins (GFAP, β-amyloid) in the hippocampus.
Main Methods:
- ApoE-/- mice were assigned to moxibustion, sham moxibustion, or control groups.
- Moxibustion was applied to the Shenque (RN8) acupoint for 12 weeks.
- Behavioral tests (step-down, Morris water maze) and immunohistochemical staining were performed.
Main Results:
- Moxibustion significantly improved performance in the step-down test compared to sham control.
- The moxibustion group showed reduced levels of GFAP and β-amyloid aggregation in the hippocampus.
- Wild-type mice served as a normal control group.
Conclusions:
- Moxibustion enhances learning and memory capabilities in ApoE-/- mice.
- The therapeutic effect may be attributed to the inhibition of oxidized proteins (GFAP, β-amyloid) in astrocytes.
