ObjectiveTo observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)on expression of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(EIF2α)

activating transcription factor 4(ATF4)

glucose regulator protein-78/immunoglobulin heavy-chainbinding protein(GRP78/Bip)in the substantia nigra(SN)in rats with Parkinson's disease(PD)

so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of PD.MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into control

sham-operation

model and EA groups(n=12 in each group). The PD model was established by 28-day consecutive subcutaneous injection of rotenone(1 mg/kg dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and normal saline)at the back shoulder. EA(2 Hz

1 mA)was applied to"Fengfu"(GV16)and"Taichong"(LR3)for 30 min

once daily for 2 weeks. The behavioral changes of rats in each group were measured and scored at 28 thday and 44 thday

respectively. The expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and α-synuclein(α-syn)in the SN were observed by immunohistochemistry

and the expressions of EIF2α

ATF4 and GRP78/Bip were detected by Western blot.ResultsFollowing modeling and compared with the control and sham-operation groups

the behavioral scores of rats in the model group were elevated(P<0. 01)

which were significantly decreased by EA intervention(P<0. 01). The expression of TH decreased whereas the α-syn

EIF2α

ATF4 and GRP78/Bip increased in the rats of model group

and EA intervention reversed these changes(all P<0. 01).ConclusionEA at GV16 and LR3 can improve PD rats' behavioral changes

which is probably related with its effects in up-regulating the expression of TH in the SN and down-regulating the expression of α-syn and EIF2α-ATF4-GRP78/Bip signaling.