Research On The Effect And Mechanism Of Qiao Meridian Acupuncture On Characteristic Of Locomotor Activity Circadian Rhythm And Expression Of 5-HT1AR?5-HT2AR MRNA And Protein In Hippocampus In Sleep Deprivation Rats

Objective:The aim of this study was to explore the effect and mechanism of acupuncture on characteristic of locomotor activity circadian rhythm and expression of 5-HT1AR,5-HT2AR mRNA and protein in hippocampus in sleep deprivation rats by injecting PCPA, to speculate the principle of adjusting the human Sleep-wake cycle based on the"Qiao meridian " theory.Methods:(1) When the 30 SD rats were synchronized to normal light/dark cycle, then divided them into blank group, model group and acupuncture group, with animal recording and analyzing system to observe locomotor activity circadian rhythm. (2)Copy sleep deprivation rats model in model and acupuncture group by intraperitoneal injection of PCPA, and observe the characteristic of locomotor activity circadian rhythm and the changes of daily spontaneous activity. (3)Except blank and model group,only acupuncture group was received "shenmai" (BL62), and "zhaohai" (KI6) acupuncture for 20 minutes per day, and lasted for 7 days during 8:00-10:00am. (4)The expression of 5-HT1AR mRNA,5-HT2AR mRNA in hippocampus were detected by RT-PCR method. (5) The expression of 5-HT1AR and 5-HT2AR protein in hippocampus were detected by Western Blot method.Results:(1)After injection of PCPA, the disorder of locomotor activity circadian rhythm was expressed in model and acupuncture group. There was significant increase of the amount of daily spontaneous activity in model and acupuncture group compared with blank group(P<0.05). (2)After acupuncture therapy, reduction of the amount of daily spontaneous activity could be observed in acupuncture group compared with model group(P<0.05). (3)After injection of PCPA, the expression of 5-HT1AR mRNA was decreased,but expression of 5-HT2AR mRNA were increased in model group, compared with blank group (P<0.05). (4)After acupuncture therapy, the expression of 5-HT1AR mRNA was increased,but expression of 5-HT2AR mRNA were decreased in acupuncture group, compared with model group (P<0.05). (5)After injection of PCPA, the expression of 5-HT1AR protein was decreased,but expression of 5-HT2AR protein were increased in model group, compared with blank group (P<0.05). (6)After acupuncture therapy, the expression of 5-HT1AR protein was increased,but expression of 5-HT2AR protein were decreased in acupuncture group, compared with model group (P<0.05).Conclusions:(1)Unusual behavior and disorder of locomotor activity circadian rhythm were showed in sleep deprivation rats. (2)Acupuncture therapy could significantly reduce the amount of daily spontaneous activity to promote sleep. (3)The mechanism of treating insomnia based on Qiao meridian acupuncture could perhaps relate with increasing the expression of 5-HT1AR mRNA and protein and decreasing the expression of 5-HT2AR mRNA and protein in hippocampus.