| 摘要 |
[Objectives] To investigate the effects of acupuncture at the complementary acupuncture points Neiguan and Waiguan on the expression levels of 5-HT, 5-HIAA, 5-HT1AR, and 5-HT4R within the acupoint area and hippocampal tissue of insomnic rats. [Methods] 72 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following groups, each comprising 12 animals: the complementary acupuncture point groups (through-acupuncture group, anti-acupuncture group), the single acupoint groups (Neiguan acupoint group, Waiguan acupoint group), the model group, and the blank group. The insomnia rat model was established through intraperitoneal injection of chlorobenzene alanine. Each acupuncture group underwent electroacupuncture treatment following the attainment of the deqi sensation, administered once daily for 20 min per session over a period of consecutive 6 d. Electroacupuncture was administered using dilatational waves, with a stimulation frequency alternating between 2 and 100 Hz, and a current intensity of 1 mA. The contents of 5-HT and 5-HIAA were detected by ELISA; 5-HT1AR levels were assessed using immunohistochemistry, and 5-HT4R mRNA expression was evaluated through fluorescent in situ hybridization. [Results] Compared to the blank group, the expressions of 5-HT, 5-HIAA, 5-HT1AR, and 5-HT4R mRNA in both the acupoint area and hippocampal tissue of rats in the model group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). These indicators were significantly elevated in all acupuncture groups relative to the model group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the complementary acupuncture point groups (through-acupuncture and anti-acupuncture groups) demonstrated a more pronounced increase compared to the single acupoint groups (P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the through-acupuncture and anti-acupuncture groups, nor between the single Neiguan and Waiguan acupoint groups (P<0.05). [Conclusions] Acupuncture at the Neiguan and Waiguan acupoints effectively ameliorates insomnia in PCPA-treated rats. This therapeutic effect may be associated with increased expression levels of 5-HT, 5-HIAA, 5-HT1AR, and 5-HT4R mRNA in both the acupoint area and the central hippocampal tissue. |
