Electroacupuncture therapy ameliorates motor dysfunction via brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Oct 24, 2019The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences

Electroacupuncture improves movement problems by increasing brain growth factors in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

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Abstract

Electroacupuncture treatment significantly improved motor dysfunction and reduced dopaminergic neuron loss in mouse models of Parkinson's disease.

Electroacupuncture therapy may promote the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF).
Increased levels of BDNF and GDNF were observed in both the substantia nigra and striatum after treatment.
The protective effects of electroacupuncture on dopaminergic neurons were similar to those of levodopa treatment.
Electroacupuncture induced the expression of signaling factors such as cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), Akt, and Pitx3 in dopaminergic neurons.
Levodopa treatment did not activate BDNF/GDNF signaling or related factors.

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Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra. However, specific sensory stimulation via electroacupuncture (EA) therapy may attenuate this loss by promoting the expression of endogenous neurotrophic factors in a manner similar to physical therapy. We investigated the potential protective effects of EA on dopaminergic neurons in a mouse model of PD and whether these effects are associated with the promotion of endogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Mouse models of PD were generated using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 6-hydroxydopamine. Motor performance was assessed using behavioral tests, and Western blot experiments, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and immunohistochemical assays were performed. In both mouse models, EA treatment ameliorated motor impairments and dopaminergic neuron loss; these changes were accompanied by increases in BDNF and GDNF. In the MPTP group, EA treatment improved motor dysfunction by attenuating dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra, similar to the effects of levodopa. EA treatment significantly upregulated BDNF and GDNF expression in both the substantia nigra and striatum. Moreover, EA treatment induced the expression of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) as well as Akt and Pitx3 in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. However, levodopa treatment did not induce BDNF/GDNF activation or related signaling factors. Thus, EA therapy may exert protective effects on dopaminergic neurons by upregulating the expression of BDNF, GDNF, and related signaling factors, thereby improving motor function. Hence, EA may represent an effective adjuvant therapy for motor deficits in patients with PD.

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Electroacupuncture therapy ameliorates motor dysfunction via brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Abstract

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