Lu Cao , Wenchao Ding , Yashuo Feng , Chong Guan , Li Liu , Hongyu Xie , Kewei Yu , Dongyan Xu , Lijuan Zhao , Xuan Sha , Xiaoman Deng , Santian Wu , Yangrui Wang , Yi Wu , Tingting Zhang , Nianhong Wang
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to explore the cumulative effects and expression patterns of electroacupuncture (EA) on irisin secretion, observe the effects of EA on the recovery of neurobehavioral function and vascular remodeling after cerebral ischemia, and elucidate the mechanism by which EA promotes vascular remodeling by regulating irisin expression.
Methods
A rat model of left middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was prepared, and EA was performed. Tissue distribution and expression of irisin were determined by immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blotting. Type III fibronectin domain protein 5-silenced adeno-associated virus (rAAV-shFNDC5) was injected into the lateral ventricle as a control. Neurobehavioral function was evaluated using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and behavioral experiments, while vascular remodeling was evaluated using laser speckle blood flow imaging, and the expressions of irisin and vascular remodeling-related factors were measured by ELISA and Western blotting.
Results
The number of FNDC5-positive neurons, fluorescence intensity, and irisin expression reached their maximum increase after 7 days of EA treatment. In addition, the EA group exhibited a significant reduction in cerebral infarct volume and impairment of neurobehavioral function, an increase in cerebral blood flow and microvascular diameter on the ischemic side, and significantly higher expression levels of FNDC5, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), protein kinase B (Akt), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). However, rAAV-shFNDC5 significantly weakened the therapeutic effects of EA.
Conclusions
EA upregulated irisin expression, reaching a peak after 7 days of EA and then stabilizing. EA facilitated vascular remodeling after cerebral ischemia, and this might be associated with the activation of the irisin-mediated VEGF/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.
期刊介绍:
The Brain Research Bulletin (BRB) aims to publish novel work that advances our knowledge of molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neural network properties associated with behavior, cognition and other brain functions during neurodevelopment and in the adult. Although clinical research is out of the Journal''s scope, the BRB also aims to publish translation research that provides insight into biological mechanisms and processes associated with neurodegeneration mechanisms, neurological diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders. The Journal is especially interested in research using novel methodologies, such as optogenetics, multielectrode array recordings and life imaging in wild-type and genetically-modified animal models, with the goal to advance our understanding of how neurons, glia and networks function in vivo.