Objective: To analyze the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on myocardial cellular signal transduction of G-protein in myocardial ischemia(MI) rats so as to explore the molecular pathway of EA against MI injury. Methods: Twenty male SD rats were randomized into normal

model

EA-normal and EA-model groups

5 rats in each group.MI model was established by occlusion of the descending anterior branch of the left coronary artery under anesthesia with 10% chloral hydrate(0.36 mL/100 g).EA (1.3 mA

2 Hz

300 μs in the duration of pulse) was applied to "Shenmen"(HT 7) for 20 min

once daily continuously for 3 days.Three days later

the myocardial tissue sample was taken for shifting out related G-proteins and corresponding genes by using gene chip technology. Results: In comparison with model group

after EA of "Shenmen"(HT 7)

782 differentially expressed genes were found

of which

328 were upregulated and 454 downgrelated;compared with normal group

426 differentially expressed genes were found in EA-normal group

among them

217 genes were upregulated and the other 209 downregulated in the expression.Further analysis showed that

21 genes were associated with G-protein signal transduction pathway

15 genes(L01115.1

Gng11

Adcy2

Calm3

Ppp3ca

Adcy5

Gnao

Prkcc

Arhgef1

RGD:619921

Pccb

Prkcd

Ppp3cb

Gng5

Gnai1) had an apparent expression in the 4 groups

4 genes(Gnaz

Prkcb1

Adcy3 and Adcy8) had no marked changes

and the rest 2(Gng8 and Prkar2b) were differentially expressed genes.Of the 2 differentially expressed genes

Gng8 displayed weaker and stronger expression in EA-normal and EA-model groups respectively

and had no expression in normal and model groups

suggesting being closely related to EA-HT 7;while Prkar2b showed no expression in normal and EA-normal groups

and had a detectable expression in model and EA-model groups

suggesting being related to MI. Conclusion: EA-HT 7 can affect gene expression of ischemic myocardiocytes;among the differentially expressed genes being closely associated with G-protein signaling pathway

Gng8 and Prkar2b may play an important role in EA-induced protective action on myocardial ischemia.