Objective To observe the influence of electroacupuncture(EA)intervention on hippocampal glutamate(Glu)and Ca

(2+)

contents

and expression of Glu-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor(NMDAR)and the learning-memory ability in vascular dementia(VD)rats

so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying improvement of VD.Methods SD rats were randomized into sham operation(sham)group(n=9)

model group(n=11)and EA groups(n=10).The VD model was established by repeated bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion and reperfusion plus intraperitoneal injection of sodium nitroprusside.EA(2Hz

2mA)was applied to"Baihui"(GV 20)-"Housanli"(ST 36)and"Geshu"(BL 17)-"Dazhui"(GV 14)for 10 min

once a day for 15 consecutive days.The neurological function was assessed by using stroke index(0-10points)and neurological deficit scaling(0-10points).The learning-memory ability was evaluated by using step-down tests.The contents of Glu and Ca(2+)contents

and expression of Glu-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor(NMDAR)and the learning-memory ability in vascular dementia(VD)rats

so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying improvement of VD.Methods SD rats were randomized into sham operation(sham)group(n=9)

model group(n=11)and EA groups(n=10).The VD model was established by repeated bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion and reperfusion plus intraperitoneal injection of sodium nitroprusside.EA(2Hz

2mA)was applied to"Baihui"(GV 20)-"Housanli"(ST 36)and"Geshu"(BL 17)-"Dazhui"(GV 14)for 10 min

once a day for 15 consecutive days.The neurological function was assessed by using stroke index(0-10points)and neurological deficit scaling(0-10points).The learning-memory ability was evaluated by using step-down tests.The contents of Glu and Ca

(2+)

in the right hippocampal tissue were determined by using aspectrophotometer and the expression of NMDAR protein in the right hippocampus was detected by immunoblotting.Results Compared with the sham group

the stroke index and neurological deficit scores

and the reaction latency and the error times of step-down tests

as well as the contents of Glu and Ca(2+)in the right hippocampal tissue were determined by using aspectrophotometer and the expression of NMDAR protein in the right hippocampus was detected by immunoblotting.Results Compared with the sham group

the stroke index and neurological deficit scores

and the reaction latency and the error times of step-down tests

as well as the contents of Glu and Ca

(2+)

and the expression level of NMDAR in the right hippocampus were significantly increased in the model group(P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01)

while the step-through latency was considerably decreased(P

<

0.01)

suggesting a neurological disorder and a cognitive decline.After EA intervention

the reaction latency and error times of step-down tests

the contents of Glu and Ca(2+)and the expression level of NMDAR in the right hippocampus were significantly increased in the model group(P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01)

while the step-through latency was considerably decreased(P

<

0.01)

suggesting a neurological disorder and a cognitive decline.After EA intervention

the reaction latency and error times of step-down tests

the contents of Glu and Ca

(2+)

and the expression level of NMDAR in the right hippocampus were significantly down-regulated

and the step-through latency was notably increased in comparison with the model group(P

<

0.01).Conclusion EA intervention is able to improve the cognitive ability of VD rats

which may be associated with its effects in reducing the excitatory neurotoxicity of hippocampal Glu-NMDAR and lowering cellular Ca(2+)and the expression level of NMDAR in the right hippocampus were significantly down-regulated

and the step-through latency was notably increased in comparison with the model group(P

<

0.01).Conclusion EA intervention is able to improve the cognitive ability of VD rats

which may be associated with its effects in reducing the excitatory neurotoxicity of hippocampal Glu-NMDAR and lowering cellular Ca

(2+)

load to resist neuronal injury.