Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) pretreatment on hippocampal glutamate(Glu) content and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDAR)1 mRNA expression in rats with vascular dementia(VD) so as to explore its underlying mechanism in improving VD.Methods A total of 72 SD rats were randomized into control(n=16)

sham-operation(n=16)

model(n=20) and EA pretreatment(n=20) groups.VD model was established by modified middle cerebral artery occlusion.EA(1 mA

1.7 Hz) was applied to "Baihui"(GV 20)

"Shenshu"(BL 23) and "Zusanli"(ST 36)

once daily for 10 days.Glu content of right hippocampus tissue was detected with chromatometry.NMDAR1mRNA expression of hippocampus was detected by in situ hybridization histochemistry.Results In comparison with sham operation group

Glu content and NMDAR1 mRNA expression of hippocampus in model group increased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with model group

Glu content and NMDAR1mRNA expression of hippocampus in EA pretreatment group decreased significantly(P<0.01

0.05).Conclusion EA pretreatment can suppress the increase of Glu content

down-regulate NMDAR1mRNA expression in VD rats

which may contribute to its effect in relieving VD via reducing apoptosis and protecting cerebral neurons.