Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into control, model and EA groups (n=10 in each group). The AMI model was established by occlusion of the descending anterior branch (DAB) of the left coronary artery. EA (2 Hz, 1-2 mA) was applied to bilateral "Shenmen" (HT7) and "Tongli" (HT5) for 20 min, once daily for consecutive 7 days. The electrocardiogram (ECG) of nape-xiphoid lead was recorded for assessing changes of myocardial ischemia. Histopathologic changes of the ischemic myocardial tissue were observed after H.E. staining and ultra-microstructural changes of cardiomyocytes observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression levels of Akt, phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt), mTOR and phosphorylated-mTOR (p-mTOR) in the myocardium were detected by Western blot, followed by calculating the ratios of p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR. RESULTS: Following ligature of DAB, the ECG-ST level was significantly increased in the model group in comparison with the control group (P<0.01). At 30 min after treatment, the ECG-ST level decreased significantly compared with the model group (P<0.01). At the end of the 7-day treatment period, the ECG-ST level increased compared with the model group (P<0.05). The levels of myocardial p-Akt and p- mTOR protein expression, and the ratios of p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR were significantly lower in the model group than those in the control group (P<0.01), and considerably increased in the EA group than in the model group (P<0.01). No significant differences were found among the three groups in the expression levels of Akt and mTOR proteins (P>0.05). Outcomes of H.E. staining and TEM showed damage of mitochondria and occurrence of a large number of autophagosomes in myocardiocytes in the model group, which was milder in the EA group. CONCLUSION: EA at HT5 and HT7 can improve AMI in AMI rats, which may be related to its effect in facilitating Akt/mTOR signaling.
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Authors | Li-Bin Wu, Fan Zhang, Qing Yu, Min-Jun Wang, Zhi-Ming Jiang, Li-Na Zhao, Jie Wang, Rong-Lin Cai, Zi-Jian Wu, Ling Hu |
Journal | Zhen ci yan jiu = Acupuncture research
(Zhen Ci Yan Jiu)
Vol. 47
Issue 2
Pg. 121-8
(Feb 25 2022)
ISSN: 1000-0607 [Print] China |
PMID | 35218621
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- mTOR protein, rat
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
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Topics |
- Acupuncture Points
- Animals
- Electroacupuncture
- Male
- Meridians
- Myocardial Ischemia
(genetics, therapy)
- Myocytes, Cardiac
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
(genetics)
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
(genetics)
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