Effects Of Electroacupuncture On The TLR7 Signaling Pathway In The Spleen Of Insomnia Rats Induced By PCPA

Aim: 1.To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on the rat’s sleeping time. 2.To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on the weight,general living conditions, thymus and spleen organ index,and the expression of key genes related to TLR7 signaling pathway in the spleen of insomnia rats. 3.To investigate the immunologic mechanism of electroacupuncture in treatment of insomnia.Methods: 1.Rats sleeping were induced by intraperitoneal injection of sodium pentobarbital,the rats of electroacupuncture group were treated with electroacupuncture after sleeping, while the rats of bland group were treated by nothing. Then the sleeping time of rats were determined. 2.Insomnia rats model were established by intraperitoneal injecting para-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA).The rats of electroacupuncture group were treated with electroacupuncture and the rats of diazepam group rats were treated with diazepam peritoneal injection for 5 days. The body weight, general living conditions were serially measured.Thymus and spleen organ index of each rat were detected.The levels of TLR7, My D88, IRAK4,TRAF6 and NF-κB m RNAs related to TLR7 signaling pathway in the spleen were determined by RT-PCR.Results: 1.Compared with the bland group,the sleeping time were prolonged(P<0.05) in the electroacupuncture group.2.The insomnia rats model were established successfully and Sleep-wake cycle disappeared 28~30 hours later after intraperitoneal injection of PCPA.3.Sleep-wake cycle of rats in the model group were disordered, while rats in the electroacupuncture and diazepam group recovered quickly.4.Compared with the bland group, the weight growth of all insomnia rats decreased(P<0.05) in the model group.Insomnia alter rat general living conditions, and electroacupuncture could improve.5.Compared with the bland group, thymus organ index decreased a lot(P<0.05) in the model group, however it’s not so obvious in the electroacupuncture and diazepam group.Spleen organ index decreased in the model group though it’s not significant.6.Compared with the bland group, the levels of TLR7, My D88, IRAK4,TRAF6 and NF-κB m RNAs were found to be increased(P<0.05) in the model group; When compared with the model group, the levels of IRAK4,TRAF6 and NF-κB m RNAs decreased(P<0.05) in the electroacupuncture and diazepam group. While the levels of TLR7 and My D88 m RNAs decreased(P<0.05) only in the electroacupuncture group, Howerve no significant difference was found between the electroacupuncture and diazepam groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:1.Electroacupuncture has sedative-hypnotic effects. 2.Intraperitoneal injection of PCPA is a stable method to establish insomnia rats model. 3.Electroacupuncture can recover sleep-wake cycle.4.Insomnia supress rat’s weight growth and change its general living conditions, while electroacupuncture can make it better.5.Electroacupuncture can inhibit insomnia rat’s immune organ atrophy. 6.Electroacupuncture might improve sleep and relieve insomnia damages to the body probably by adjusting the release of immune-related substances which were regulated by TLR7 signal transduction.