Objective

2

To observe the effect of

Shugan Tiaoshen

acupuncture (acupuncture for soothing the liver and regulating the spirit) on the protein kinase C/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/cAMP response element-binding protein (PKC/ERK/CREB) signaling pathway in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture on alleviating anxiety and fear in PTSD.

Methods

2

Fifty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group (10 rats) and a PTSD model group (40 rats). The PTSD model was induced by using a combination of closed electric shock and forced exhaustive swimming. Thirty successfully modeled rats were randomly assigned to a model group

a medication group

and an acupuncture group

with 10 rats in each group. The rats in the medication group were treated with paroxetine hydrochloride solution by gavage

once daily for 12 consecutive days. The rats in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at "Baihui" (GV 20) and bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6)

"Shenmen" (HT 7)

"Taichong" (LR 3). "Baihui" (GV 20) was needled daily

while the other acupoints were alternately needled on the left side on odd days and the right side on even days

once daily for 12 consecutive days. Anxiety and fear behaviors changes were assessed by using the open field test and elevated plus maze test. Histological changes in the BNST were observed by using HE staining and Nissl staining. The expression of PKC

phosphorylated PKC (p-PKC)

ERK1/2

phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2)

and p-CREB proteins in the BNST were detected by using Western blot.

Results

2

Compared with the blank group

the model group showed decreased time and total distance spent in the center of the open field and on the open arms of the elevated plus maze (

P

<

0.05); the BNST tissues in the model group exhibited a reduced number of neurons

disorganized cell arrangement

cell shrinkage

nuclear condensation

abnormal neuronal structure

uneven Nissl staining

and reduced Nissl bodies. The model group showed increased protein expression of p-PKC and p-PKC/PKC ratio (

P

<

0.05) and decreased protein expression of p-ERK1/2

p-CREB

and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratio (

P

<

0.05). Compared with the model group

the medication group and the acupuncture group showed increased time and total distance spent in the center of the open field and on the open arms of the elevated plus maze (

P

<

0.05); the BNST tissues showed increased number of neurons

mor

e organized cell arrangement

improved neuronal structure

and increased Nissl bodies; the medication group and the acupuncture group also showed decreased p-PKC protein expression and p-PKC/PKC ratio (

P

<

0.05) and increased p-ERK1/2

p-CREB protein expression

and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratio (

P

<

0.05).

Conclusion

2

Shugan Tiaoshen

acupuncture could alleviate anxiety and fear behaviors in PTSD rats

and improve neuronal damage in the BNST. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the PKC/ERK/CREB signaling pathway in the BNST.