Power For Alzheimer Hippocampal Neurons Synaptic Plasticity Mechanisms

Objective: To research the mechanism of Electrotherapy on Synaptic Plasticity of Hippocampus neurons in Rats of Alzheimer's disease (AD)morphologically.Methods: In this experiment, four groups of senile rats were examinedxontrol group, pseudo- surgery group,model group and Electrotherapy group. On the basis of rats model established by cutting off the fimbria of the hippocampus, according to the therapeutic principle of "Tonifying Kidney and Promoting Blood Circulation, Reviving Brain and Inducing Resuscitation",we acupunctured "Baihui"(Du20) ,, "Yongquan"(K1), "Xuehai"(Sp10), "Taixi"(K3) to observe the effect of electrotherapy on several indexes of AD case in groups..The ultrastructure changes of the synapses after electrotherapy were observed with electron microscopy, including the number density(Nv),area density(Sv) and area of synapses disk(S) which were studied with stereology methods.The expressions of C-Fos and NGF proteins were observed by immunohistochemistry methods.To analyze the learning and memory ability, the escape latency time and mistaken times of rats was recored by means of swimming in the water maze.Result: By regulating the expression of C-Fos protein, electrotherapy could promote the synthesization of NGF which acts on nourishing and repairing function on cholinergic neuron. Electrotherapy could increase Nv ., Sv and decrease S of synapses,regulating the Synaptic Plasticity morphologically in hippocampus. Electrotherapy could decrease the escape latency time and mistaken times,improving the learning and memory ability of AD rats. As a result, electrotherapy could be applied for AD as an effective and simple treatment.