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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Novel Object Recognition Test for the Investigation of Learning and Memory in Mice
Published on: August 30, 2017
Electroacupuncture ameliorate learning and memory by improving N-acetylaspartate and glutamate metabolism in APP/PS1
Ruhui Lin1, Long Li1, Yingzheng Zhang1
1Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Rehabilitation Technology, Fuzhou, 350122, People's Republic of China.
Objective:
To explore the precise mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) to delay cognitive impairment in Alzheimer disease.
Methods:
N-Acetylaspartate (NAA), glutamate (Glu) and myoinositol (mI) metabolism were measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, learning and memory of APP/PS1 mouse was evaluated by the Morris water maze test and the step-down avoidance test, neuron survival number and neuronal structure in the hippocampus were observed by Nissl staining, and BDNF and phosphorylated TrkB detected by Western blot.
Results:
EA at DU20 acupuncture significantly improve learning and memory in behavioral tests, up-regulate NAA, Glu and mI metabolism, increase the surviving neurons in hippocampus, and promote the expression of BDNF and TrkB in the APP/PS1 transgenic mice.
Conclusion:
These findings suggested that EA is a potential therapeutic for ameliorate cognitive dysfunction, and it might be due to EA could improve NAA and Glu metabolism by upregulation of BDNF in APP/PS1 mice.
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