Abstract:

Objective    To observe and investigate the expression of neuroglobin (Ngb) in rats with septic encephalopathy and the effect of electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shuigou acupoints on the expression of neuroglobin (Ngb) in rats with septic encephalopathy.    Methods    In this study, a rat model of sepsis encephalopathy was established by observing neurobehavioral changes in rats with sepsis successfully established by CLP. The rats were divided into sham operation group, septic brain disease group and septic brain disease + electroacupuncture treatment group. Electroacupuncture for Baihui, Shuigou points along the skin prick into 2 mm were performed, and the other electrode was caught in the right ear tip of the rats. Density wave frequency was 2 Hz/15 Hz, current intensity was 1mA, and the rat’s right ear microfibrillation were taken as a sign of effective electroacupuncture stimulation. Treatment was performed 30 minutes after per 12 hours. The two groups lasted 24 h and 72 h respectively. The brain tissue of rats was obtained, Ngb was detected by immunohistochemistry at 24 h and 72 h, and expression of Ngb protein level was detected by Western blot, Ngb mRNA gene was detected by RealTime PCR.    Results     Compared with the sham-operated group, the expression of Ngb protein was significantly up-regulated in the 24-hour septic-encephalopathy group and the 72-hour group (P<0.01); the expression of Ngb protein was significantly increased in the 24-hour septic-encephalopathy group and the 24-hour non-electroacupuncture group (P<0.01); electro-acupuncture intervention 72 h septic brain disease group and non-electroacupuncture intervention 72 h group, Ngb protein expression was slightly down (P <0.01).    Conclusion    The expression of Ngb is up-regulated in septicencephalopathy, which means that electroacupuncture intervention has a therapeutic effect on septic brain disease, and it is most obvious at 24 hours. It shows that electroacupuncture is effective for the treatment of septic encephalopathy in time, mainly by up-regulating the expression of Ngb.

Key words: Septic encephalopathy, 　Electroacupuncture, 　Neuroglobin