Objective:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)on learning and memory impairment and cytokines of hippocampus in aging rats induced by D-galactose for exploring its underlying mechanism in the treatment of dysmnesy.Methods:A total of 27 SD rats were randomly divided into control group(n=9)

model group(n=8)and EA group(n=10).Dysmnesy model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose.EA(3 Hz

continuous waves

1 mA)was applied to “Baihui”(GV 20)and “Zusanli”(ST 36)for 20 min every time and on alternate days

continuously for 21 days.Morris water maze tests were conducted to detect the rat's escape latency

percentage of swimming distance in the original platform quadrant and the total distance(SD/TD)and the percentage of swimming time in the platform quadrant after removal of the platform(spatial probe test)which were used for assessing the animals' learning and memory ability.The contents of IL-1β

IL-6 and TNF-α in the hippocampus tissue were assayed by radioimmunoassay.Results:Location navigation test showed that the escape latencies on the 2nd day and the 3rd day in model group were significantly longer than those of control group(P<0.05)

and the percents of SD/TD and swimming time in the platform quadrant were significantly lower than those of control group(P<0.05

P<0.01).In comparison with model group

the escape latency of EA group on the 3rd day was significantly shorter(P<0.05)

and the percent of SD/TD in the platform quadrant of EA group was significantly longer(P<0.01).Compared with control group

IL-1β and TNF-α contents in the hippocampus increased significantly in model group(P<0.05

P<0.01)

while IL-6 content in model group decreased significantly(P<0.01).In comparison with model group

the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in EA group decreased significantly(P<0.05).Conclusion:EA can improve the learning-memory ability in dysmnesy rats

which may be closely associated with its effects in regulating the levels of cytokines in the hippocampus.