Objective To observe the effects of acupuncture on TLR4, inflammation factors IL-1β and IL-6 expressions in the prefrontal cortex of vascular dementia (VD) rats; To investigate the brain protective mechanisms of acupuncture. Methods A total of 50 rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model group, acupuncture group, and placebo-acupuncture group. The animal model of VD was replicated by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO) in rats. Acupuncture was performed at three days after surgery, once daily for two weeks. Morris water maze was used to test the cognitive function. The expressions of Iba1 and TLR4 were assessed by immunohistochemical method. Inflammation factors IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expressions were tested by RT-PCR. Results Compared with sham-operation group, the model group rats showed impaired spatial learning and memory ability, and expression of Iba1, TLR4, and IL-1β, IL-6 increased. Compared with the model group, the spatial learning and memory abilities of the acupuncture group were improved, and the expression of Iba1, TLR4 and IL-1β, IL-6 in the prefrontal cortex decreased. These effects were not found in the placebo-acupuncture group. Conclusion The effect of acupuncture may be achieved by inhibiting microglia activate, decreasing the expressions of TLR4, IL-1β and IL-6 in the prefrontal cortex, resulting in improving spatial learning and memory ability of VD rats.%目的 观察针刺对血管性痴呆大鼠前额叶皮层Toll样受体4(TLR4)表达及下游炎症因子白细胞介素(IL)-1β 和 IL-6表达的影响,探讨针刺的脑保护作用.方法 50只大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、针刺组和非穴组.采用双侧颈总动脉永久性结扎方法制作血管性痴呆大鼠模型.造模后第3日针刺干预,每日1次,共2周.采用Morris水迷宫实验评价大鼠空间学习记忆能力,免疫组化检测小胶质细胞标志物离子钙结合蛋白1(Iba1)及TLR4表达,RT-PCR检测炎症因子IL-1β和IL-6的mRNA表达.结果 与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠空间学习记忆能力降低,前额叶皮层Iba1、TLR4及IL-1β、IL-6表达升高;与模型组比较,针刺组大鼠空间学习记忆能力改善,前额叶皮层Iba1、TLR4及IL-1β、IL-6表达降低;非穴组无明显改善.结论 针刺可抑制血管性痴呆大鼠前额叶皮质小胶质细胞激活,降低TLR4及其下游炎症因子表达水平,改善大鼠空间学习记忆能力.
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