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"Olfactory Three-Needle" Enhances Spatial Learning and Memory Ability in SAMP8 Mice
Yuan Wang1,2,3, Qiang Wang2,3, Bo Ren2
1Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
Behavioural Neurology
|May 8, 2020
Summary
Acupuncture's "olfactory three-needle" therapy improves Alzheimer's disease (AD) by reducing amyloid-beta and neuroinflammation. This treatment enhances spatial memory and synaptic regeneration via p38MAPK and microglia pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline.
- Acupuncture is a key therapy in complementary and alternative medicine, with potential benefits for AD patients.
- The precise mechanisms underlying the efficacy of specific acupuncture techniques, like the "olfactory three-needle" manipulation, in AD remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the "olfactory three-needle" acupuncture therapy in improving cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease models.
- To compare the effects of "olfactory three-needle" acupuncture with eugenol olfactory stimulation on amyloid-beta deposition, synaptic regeneration, and cognitive performance.
- To investigate the impact of this acupuncture technique on key molecular pathways, including p38MAPK and microglial activation, in the hippocampus.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the SAMP8 mouse model, a common model for studying age-related cognitive decline and AD.
- Administered "olfactory three-needle" acupuncture and eugenol olfactory stimulation.
- Assessed levels of beta-amyloid (Aβ) protein deposition and synaptophysin (SYP) expression.
- Evaluated spatial learning and memory abilities.
- Measured the phosphorylation of p38MAPK and the activation of microglia (MG) in the hippocampus.
Main Results:
- Both "olfactory three-needle" acupuncture and eugenol stimulation reduced Aβ deposition and increased SYP expression.
- Only "olfactory three-needle" acupuncture significantly enhanced spatial learning and memory in SAMP8 mice.
- The "olfactory three-needle" therapy notably inhibited p38MAPK phosphorylation and excessive microglial activation in the hippocampus.
- These effects suggest a mechanism involving reduced neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity, alongside promoted synaptic regeneration.
Conclusions:
- The "olfactory three-needle" acupuncture enhances spatial learning and memory in AD models by inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation and microglial activation.
- This mechanism reduces neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity associated with Aβ, promoting synaptic regeneration.
- While olfactory stimulation plays a role, the therapeutic effects of "olfactory three-needle" acupuncture extend beyond simple olfactory system engagement.
