Electroacupuncture Intervention Improves Post-Stroke Dysphagia by Modulating NMDAR1 and GABABR1

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Acupuncture Research
• Stroke Rehabilitation

Background:

• Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is a frequent complication following acute stroke.
• Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at the Baihui acupoint shows promise for alleviating PSD, but its mechanism is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of EA stimulation at the Baihui acupoint for treating post-stroke dysphagia (PSD).
• To evaluate the effects of EA on neurological function, cerebral infarction, edema, and oxidative stress in a mouse model of stroke.

Main Methods:

• A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model was established to induce stroke.
• EA stimulation was applied to the Baihui acupoint, followed by assessments of survival rate, swallowing function, neurological scores, and serum Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluated cerebral infarction and edema, while oxidative stress markers were measured.
• Western blot, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence detected the expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptor subunit 1 (GABABR1) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1).

Main Results:

• EA intervention significantly increased survival rates and alleviated dysphagia in MCAO mice.
• Neurological function improved, and rates of cerebral infarction and edema decreased following EA treatment.
• EA reduced oxidative stress, protected neurons in the nucleus ambiguus, upregulated GABABR1, and downregulated NMDAR1.

Conclusions:

• EA stimulation of the Baihui acupoint is effective in treating PSD.
• The therapeutic effects are linked to improved neuronal integrity and a balanced expression of GABABR1 and NMDAR1.
• These findings offer new insights into EA's mechanism for PSD and provide a basis for future clinical research.