Electroacupuncture can improve cognition in those with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion

Objective To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the cognitive function of rats with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) and its possible mechanism. Methods Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group of 10 and an operation group of 30. Permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) was conducted to introduce a model of CCH in the operation group, which was further divided into a model group, an EA 4 w group and an EA 1 w group, each of 10. The EA 4 w group was given 2/100 Hz dilatational wave EA for 4 weeks, and the EA 1 w group was provided with the same EA for one week. A Morris water maze was used to assess the rats′ cognitive functioning, and a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect the expression of JAK2/STAT3 mRNA in all the rats′ brains. Results Compared with the sham operation group, the rCBF in the operation group had decreased significantly after BCCAO, and it was significantly lower than before the operation. Compared with the model group, the escape latency improved significantly from the 3rd day in the EA 4 w group, and from the 5th day in the EA 1 w group. The targeted quadrant residence time of the EA 4 w group was prolonged significantly. JAK2/STAT3 mRNA expression decreased significantly only in the EA 4 w group. Compared with the EA 1 w group, the escape latency of the EA 4 w group had decreased significantly by the 5th day, with the target quadrant residence time significantly prolonged, and JAK2 mRNA had decreased significantly as well. Conclusion EA can improve cognition in CCH, at least in rats, and especially with early intervention. This may be achieved through inhibiting excessive activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, reducing brain injury. Key words: Electroacupuncture; Cerebral hypoperfusion; Cognition; JAK2/STAT3 mRNA