Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Author Spotlight: Improving Anesthesia Protocols for Enhanced Mouse Acupuncture Research
03:26

Author Spotlight: Improving Anesthesia Protocols for Enhanced Mouse Acupuncture Research

Published on: December 8, 2023

1.3K

Electroacupuncture Pretreatment Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Engulfment

Xiang Zhou1,2, Peiyi Yang3, Chaonan Dong3

  • 1College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.

CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics
|September 4, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Electroacupuncture pretreatment (EA-pre) protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) by modulating microglia in the lateral hypothalamus. This treatment reduces neuroinflammation and sympathetic nervous system overactivation, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for MIRI.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cardiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) involves neuroinflammation, particularly microglial activation.
  • Current clinical strategies for preventing MIRI remain unclear.
  • Microglia and glutamate (Glu) neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) are implicated in MIRI pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate electroacupuncture pretreatment (EA-pre) as a therapeutic strategy for MIRI.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of EA-pre in alleviating MIRI, focusing on LH microglia and Glu neurons.
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets for MIRI prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Establishment of a MIRI mouse model via coronary artery ligation and reperfusion.
  • Immunofluorescence staining to assess microglial activation in the LH.
  • Chemogenetics and fiber photometry recordings to investigate neuronal activity and microglial function.
  • Analysis of synaptic changes and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) output.

Main Results:

  • EA-pre significantly improved cardiac function in MIRI mice.
  • EA-pre suppressed microglial activation and reduced the engulfment of inhibitory synapses around LH Glu neurons.
  • Targeted activation of LH microglia reversed the protective effects of EA-pre, exacerbating MIRI via increased SNS activity.

Conclusions:

  • EA-pre exerts cardioprotective effects against MIRI by inhibiting microglial activity in the LH.
  • The mechanism involves preserving inhibitory synapses on LH Glu neurons, thereby reducing SNS overactivation.
  • Modulating LH microglia represents a promising therapeutic approach for MIRI.
Keywords:
electroacupuncture pretreatmentglutamate neuroninhibitory synapseslateral hypothalamusmicrogliamyocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury

More Related Videos

Mouse Electroacupuncture Fixation Device Fabrication for Electroacupuncture Pretreatment in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Mouse Model05:58

Mouse Electroacupuncture Fixation Device Fabrication for Electroacupuncture Pretreatment in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Mouse Model

Published on: April 18, 2025

285
Studying the Coding Profiles of Somatic Stimulation on Cardiac-locked Neuronal Responses in the Rat Spinal Dorsal Horn07:12

Studying the Coding Profiles of Somatic Stimulation on Cardiac-locked Neuronal Responses in the Rat Spinal Dorsal Horn

Published on: May 23, 2025

223

Related Concept Videos

Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison01:14

Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison

In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment01:20

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents01:26

Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents

Positive inotropic agents are commonly used as the first line of treatment for heart failure. One such agent is digoxin, derived from the genus Digitalis, which has been known for centuries but effectively utilized since 1785. However, these cardiac glycosides can have potentially toxic effects due to their mechanism of action, which involves inhibiting Na+/K+-ATPase and increasing contractility. Digoxin is absorbed orally and distributed in various tissues, including the CNS. It has a long...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.