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Low-frequency electroacupuncture attenuates methamphetamine-induced depressive-like behaviors and cognitive
Jingyi Zhang1, Rongji Hui2,3, Jiabao Xu2
1Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Key Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
Introduction:
Methamphetamine (METH) abuse primarily affects the central nervous system (CNS), leading to CNS damage and contributing to depressive-like behaviors, cognitive impairment, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Electroacupuncture (EA) has shown promise in treating mental disorders linked to CNS damage, yet the effects of EA on METH-induced depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment and it's underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain largely unclear.
Methods:
In this study, a mouse model of METH-induced neuropsychiatric dysfunction was established by administering high-dose METH under elevated ambient temperature. EA was applied at different frequencies to the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint for 7 days post-METH administration.
Results:
Behavioral tests revealed that low-frequency EA significantly alleviated depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment. Additionally, EA restored blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, as evidenced by Western blotting (WB) and Evans blue staining. Neuronal injury was attenuated, as shown by Nissl and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Further investigations into neuroinflammation revealed that EA suppressed microglial activation in the hippocampus, decreased the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α, and inhibited the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
Discussion:
The present study suggested that EA alleviates METH-induced depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment by modulating neuroinflammation, particularly through the inhibition of microglial activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release. EA may represent a promising non-pharmacological strategy for the treatment of METH-associated neuropsychiatric disorders.
