Wang Mingye, Li Tongtong, Li Wenyan, Song Tao, Zhao Chi, Wu Qiulan, Cui Wenwen, Hao Yuanyuan, Hou Yunlong, Zhu Pengyu
College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No.326, Xinshi South Road, Shijiazhuang 050091, Hebei, China.
Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, New Drug Evaluation Center, No.238, the South of Tianshan Street, Shijiazhuang 050035, Hebei, China.
Neuroscience. 2024 Dec 6;562:160-181. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.10.019. Epub 2024 Oct 12.
This study aims to explore the neuroprotective effects of scalp Electroacupuncture (EA) on ischemic stroke, with a specific focus on the role of electrical stimulation (ES). Employing a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), we used methods such as Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, micro-CT scanning, Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunofluorescence to assess the impacts of EA. We further conducted RNA-seq analysis and in vitro experiments with organotypic brain slices and cerebral organoids to explore the underlying mechanisms. Our research revealed that EA notably reduced cerebral infarct volume and improved regional cerebral blood flow in rats following MCAO. Micro-CT imaging showed improved vascular integrity in EA-treated groups. Histological analyses, including HE staining, indicated reduced brain tissue damage. ELISA demonstrated a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, suggesting improved blood-brain barrier function. Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses revealed that EA treatment significantly inhibited microglial and astrocytic overactivation. RNA-seq analysis of brain tissues highlighted a downregulation of immune pathways and inflammatory responses, confirming the neuroprotective role of EA. This was further corroborated by in vitro experiments using organotypic brain slices and cerebral organoids, which showcased the efficacy of electrical stimulation in reducing neuroinflammation and protecting neuronal cells. The study highlights the potential of scalp EA, particularly its ES component, in treating ischemic stroke. It provides new insights into the mechanisms of EA, emphasizing its efficacy in neuroprotection and modulation of neuroinflammation, and suggests avenues for optimized treatment strategies in stroke therapy.
本研究旨在探讨头皮电针（EA）对缺血性中风的神经保护作用，特别关注电刺激（ES）的作用。采用大脑中动脉闭塞（MCAO）大鼠模型，我们运用了诸如氯化三苯基四氮唑染色、微型计算机断层扫描（micro-CT扫描）、酶联免疫吸附测定（ELISA）和免疫荧光等方法来评估电针的影响。我们进一步进行了RNA测序分析以及使用脑片和类脑器官的体外实验，以探究其潜在机制。我们的研究表明，电针显著减小了MCAO大鼠的脑梗死体积，并改善了局部脑血流量。微型计算机断层扫描成像显示电针治疗组的血管完整性得到改善。包括苏木精-伊红（HE）染色在内的组织学分析表明脑组织损伤减轻。ELISA显示促炎细胞因子肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）和白细胞介素-6（IL-6）减少，表明血脑屏障功能得到改善。免疫荧光和蛋白质印迹分析显示，电针治疗显著抑制了小胶质细胞和星形胶质细胞的过度激活。脑组织的RNA测序分析突出了免疫途径和炎症反应的下调，证实了电针的神经保护作用。使用脑片和类脑器官的体外实验进一步证实了这一点，这些实验展示了电刺激在减轻神经炎症和保护神经元细胞方面的功效。该研究突出了头皮电针，特别是其电刺激成分，在治疗缺血性中风方面的潜力。它为电针的作用机制提供了新的见解，强调了其在神经保护和调节神经炎症方面的功效，并为中风治疗的优化策略提供了途径。
