Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on the expression of amyloid precursor protein(APP) and amyloid β-protein(Aβ) in hippocampal CA 1 area and cerebral cortex in APP 695 V 717 I transgenic mice

so as to investigate its underlying mechanism in improving Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods APP 695 V 717 I transgenic mice were randomly divided into model and EA groups

with 6 cases in each.The other 6 negatively-transgenic mice(C 57 BL/6 J) were used as the normal control group.EA(2 Hz/100 Hz

3 mA) was applied to "Baihui"(GV 20) and "Yongquan"(KI 1) for 15 min

once every other day for 3 months.The learning-memory ability of mice was measured by Y-type maze test and the expression levels of APP

Aβ

and choline acetyltransferase(ChAT) in the cerebral cotex and hippocampal CA 1 area were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results In comparison with control group

the times of training for gaining correct reaction and the expression levels of Aβ and APP in both cerebral cortex and hippocampal CA 1 area in model group increased significantly(P<0.05

P<0.01)

while the expression level of ChAT of cerebral cortex in model group decreased considerably(P<0.05).Compared to model group

the times of training for gaining correct reaction and the expression levels of APP in both cerebral cortex and hippocampal CA 1 area

and Aβ in CA 1 area of EA group lowered remarkably(P<0.05)

while those of ChAT in cerebral cortex and hippocampal CA 1 area of EA group increased evidently(P<0.05

P<0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can improve the learning-memory capacity of the APP transgenic mice

which may be related to its effects in increasing the production of acetylcholine and lowering the levels of APP and Aβ in the brain.