Objective To observe the effect of scalp-acupuncture intervention on the expression of parahippocampal factor-κB p 65 mRNA(NF-κB p 65 mRNA)

IκB mRNA

interleukin-1β(IL-1β )and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in rats with cerebral ischemia(CI)

so as to investigate its molecular mechanisms underlying improving CI by reducing inflammatory response.Methods A total of 64 SD rats were randomized into normal control

model

medication and scalp-acupuncture groups

with 16 rats in each group.The focal CI model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO).Intraperitoneal injection of Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate(100 mg·kg-1·d-1)was administrated for rats in the medication group

once a day for 7 days.For rats of the scalp-acupuncture group

the acupuncture needles were rapidly inserted into bilateral Dingnieqianxiexian(MS 6)and Dingniehouxiexian(MS 7)

followed by twirling the needles at 200 cycles/min for 1 min

once again every 10 min during 30 min's needle retention.The treatment was conducted once a day for 7 days.The neurologic deficit score(0-5 points

impaired consciousness

death

etc.)and neurological function score(motor

sensory and sensory tests

0-10 points)were assessed according to Longa's(1989)and Schbitz's(2004)methods

respectively.The expression levels of NF-κB p 65 mRNA and IκB mRNA in the parahippocampus gyrus tissue were detected by fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription-PCR

and IL-1β and TNF-αproteins in the parahippocampus gyrus tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results After modeling

the neurologic deficit and neurological function scores and the expression levels of NF-κB p 65 mRNA

IL-1β and TNF-αin the parahippocampus were significantly increased in the model group than in the normal group(P<0.01)

while the expression of IκB mRNA was considerably down-regulated(P<0.01).Following treatment intervention

the neurologic deficit and neurological function scores as well as NF-κB p 65 mRNA

and IL-1β and TNF-αprotein expression were significantly decreased in both scalp-acupuncture and medication groups compared with the model group(P<0.05

P<0.01)

and the decreased expression of IκB mRNA was obviously increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Scalp-acupuncture can improve neurologic function in cerebral ischemic rats

which is related with its effects in up-regulating the expression of IκB to inhibit the dissociation of NF-κB

then decreasing the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α(reducing inflammatory response)in the parahippocampal gyrus tissue.