Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)on behavioral changes

and expression of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)

α-synuclein(α-syn)

transcription activating factor 6(ATF6)and transcription factor X box binding protein 1(XBP-1)in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease(PD)rats

so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of motor function.MethodsThirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into control

model and EA groups(n==12 rats in each group). The PD model was established by subcutaneous injection of rotenone(2 mg/kg)at the neck and back

once a day for 28 days. EA(2 Hz

1 mA)was applied to"Fengfu"(GV16)and bilateral"Taichong"(LR3)for 20 min

once a day for 14 successive days. The voluntary motor behavioral changes(total distance

average speed

total movement time

total rest time in 8 min)were detected by open field tests. The immunoactivity of TH and α-syn in the substantia nigra was detected by immunohistochemistry

and the expression of ATF6 mRNA and XBP-1 mRNA detected by fluorescence real-time quantitative PCR.ResultsFollowing modeling and compared with the control group

the total distance

average speed and total movement time of voluntary movement were significantly decreased(P<0. 01)

and the total rest time was significantly increased(P<0. 01). Moreover

the expression of TH was significantly decreased(P<0. 01)

and that of α-syn protein

ATF6 mRNA and XBP-1 mRNA significantly increased in the model group in comparison with the control group(P<0. 01). After the intervention

the total distance

average speed

and total movement time of voluntary movement in the EA group were considerably higher than those in the model group(P<0. 01)

and the total rest time was obviously decreased in the EA group(P<0. 01). The expression level of TH was significantly increased(P<0. 01)

and those of α-syn

ATF6 mRNA and XBP-1 mRNA were notably decreased in the EA group compared with the model group(P<0. 01).ConclusionEA intervention can improve the locomotor function in PD model rats

which is associated with its functions in up-regulating the expression of TH protein and down-regulating the expression of α-syn protein

and ATF6 mRNA and XBP-1 mRNA in the substantia nigra of mesencephalon.