Objective To explore the effect of moxibustion of acupoints of Governor Vessel on learning-memory ability and expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE)

low density lipoprotein(LDL)receptor related protein-1(LRP-1)

β-amyloid precursor protein(APP)and neuronal ultrastructure of the frontal cortex and hippocampus in vascular dementia(VD)rats

so as to investigate its underlying mechanisms in relieving VD.Methods A total of 24 male SD rats were randomized into normal

model

and moxibustion groups(n=8 rats in each group).The VD model was established by occlusion of the bilateral common carotid arteries for 20 min and reperfusion for 10 min which was repeated for 3 times.Moxibustion was applied to"Baihui"(GV20)

"Dazhui"(GV14)and"Fengfu"(GV16)for 30 min

once daily for 4 weeks.The learning-memory ability was evaluated by using Morris water maze tests.At the end of experiments

the frontal lobe of cerebral cortex and hippocampus tissues were collected for detecting the expression of RAGE and LRP-1 proteins with Western blot

and RAGE

LRP-1 and APP mRNAs with quantitative real-time PCR

respectively.The ultrastructure of neurons in the frontal cortex and hippocampal CA1 region was observed with transmission electron microscopy.Results Following modeling

Morris water maze tests showed that the average escape latency of the model group and moxibustion group was significantly prolonged on the 4 th day of modeling(P<0.01).The expression levels of RAGE protein and mRNA and APP mRNA were significantly increased(P<0.01)

while those of LRP-1 protein and mRNA in the cortex and hippocampus remarkably decreased in the model group relevant to the normal group(P<0.01).Following moxibustion

modeling-induced increase of expression of RAGE protein and mRNA and APP mRNA

and down-regulation of expression of LRP-1 protein and mRNA were reversed in the moxibustion group relevant to the model group(P<0.01).Results of electron microscopy showed dilation of the mitochondria with disappearance of the cristae

partial vacuolar degeneration or dissolved external membrane

and cytoplasmic edema with basic disappearance of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and glycogen particles in neurons of the frontal cortex and hippocampal CA1 region after modeling

which was relatively milder in the moxibustion group.Conclusion Moxibustion of acupoints of the Governor Vessel may reduce the content of APP in the frontal cortex and hippocampus by regulating the expression of RAGE and LRP-1 proteins and mRNA in VD rats.