METHODS: Twenty-seven SD rats were randomly divided into control, model and electroacupuncture (EA) groups (n=9 rats in each group). The CFS model was established by multi-factor compound stress stimulation method. Rats of the EA group received EA (10 Hz) at \"Shenting\" (GV24) penetrating \"Baihui\" (GV20), \"Dazhui\" (GV14) for 15 min, twice a day for 14 days. The general conditions, Morris water maze test, open field test, the exhausted running platform were conducted for determining the rats\' locomotor and learning-memory activities. H.E. staining was used to observe the morphological structure of neurons in hippocampal CA1 region. The contents of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17 and transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 in hippocampus and serum of rats were detected by ELISA, and the positive expressions of IL-10, IL-17 and TGF-β1 in hippocampal CA1 region were detected by immunofluorescence staining.
RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the score of general condition was increased (P<0.05), the escape latency was prolonged (P<0.05), the number of crossing the original platform was decreased (P<0.05), the numbers of crossing the grid and entering the central area were increased (P<0.05), and the exhaustive treadmill time was shortened (P<0.05) in the model group. The contents of IL-10 in the hippocampus and serum were decreased (P<0.05), while IL-17 and TGF-β1 contents were increased (P<0.05). The immunofluorescence intensity of IL-10 in the hippocampus was decreased (P<0.05), while the intensity of IL-17 and TGF-β1 were increased (P<0.05). After treatment, compared with the model group, the score of general condition was decreased (P<0.05), the escape latency was shortened (P<0.05), the number of crossing the original platform was increased (P<0.05), the numbers of crossing the grid and entering the central area were decreased (P<0.05), and the exhaustive treadmill time was prolonged (P<0.05) in the EA group. The contents of IL-10 in the hippocampus and serum were increased (P<0.05), while IL-17 and TGF-β1 levels were decreased (P<0.05). The immunofluorescence intensity of IL-10 in the hippocampus was increased (P<0.05), while the intensity of IL-17 and TGF-β1 were decreased (P<0.05). H.E. staining showed that in the model group, the number of neurons in the hippocampus decreased, with disordered arrangement and loose structure, and a small numbers of neuronal nuclei were missing. The degree of tissue damage of the EA group was milder than that of the model group.
CONCLUSIONS: EA can alleviate fatigue and spatial learning and memory impairment in CFS rats, which may be related to the regulation of peripheral and central inflammation.
目的: 观察电针对慢性疲劳综合征(CFS)大鼠行为学及海马炎性因子变化的影响,探讨电针治疗CFS的作用机制。方法: SD大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组和电针组,每组9只。采用改良慢性多因素复合应激刺激法复制CFS模型。电针组大鼠电针“神庭”透刺“百会”和“大椎”,15 min/次,每日2次,治疗14 d。用实验大鼠一般情况半定量评分评估大鼠一般状态,Morris水迷宫实验评价大鼠学习记忆能力,旷场实验评价大鼠焦虑抑郁状态,力竭跑台时间评估大鼠疲劳情况,HE染色法观察大鼠海马CA1区神经元形态结构,ELISA法检测大鼠海马和血清中白细胞介素(IL)-10、IL-17、转化生长因子(TGF)-β1含量,免疫荧光染色法检测海马CA1区IL-10、IL-17、TGF-β1表达。结果: 与对照组比较,模型组大鼠一般情况半定量评分升高(P<0.05),逃避潜伏期延长(P<0.05),穿越原平台次数减少(P<0.05),穿格次数及进入中央区次数增加(P<0.05),力竭跑台时间缩短(P<0.05);模型组海马区神经元数量减少,排列紊乱,结构疏松,少量神经元细胞核缺失;模型组海马和血清中的IL-10含量降低(P<0.05),IL-17、TGF-β1含量升高(P<0.05);模型组海马中的IL-10免疫荧光强度降低(P<0.05),IL-17、TGF-β1免疫荧光强度升高(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,电针组大鼠一般情况半定量评分降低(P<0.05),逃避潜伏期缩短(P<0.05),穿越原平台次数增多(P<0.05),穿格次数及进入中央区次数减少(P<0.05),力竭跑台时间延长(P<0.05);电针组海马神经元数量增加,排列整齐,结构较紧密,坏死神经元减少;电针组海马和血清中的IL-10含量升高(P<0.05),IL-17、TGF-β1含量降低(P<0.05);电针组海马IL-10免疫荧光强度升高(P<0.05),IL-17、TGF-β1免疫荧光强度降低(P<0.05)。结论: 电针可缓解CFS大鼠疲劳程度,提高空间学习、记忆能力,可能与调节外周及中枢炎性因子有关。.