Objective To observe the influence of acupuncture on the expression of pivotal molecules of Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome signal pathway in the prefrontal cortex of rats with depression

so as to explore the underlying mechanism of acupuncture on treatment of depression. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups(8 rats/group)

namely control

model

acupuncture and fluoxetine groups. The depression model was established by using chronic unpredictable mild stress for 6 weeks. During modeling

acupuncture(10 min)was applied to "Baihui"(GV20) and "Yintang"(EX-HN3) for rats of the acupuncture group once a day

with 1 day interval after consecutive 6 day-period for 36 days. Fluoxetine was given(10 mg/kg

1 mg/mL) by gavage to rats of the fluoxetine group every day during modeling for 42 days. The novelty-suppressed feeding test was used to observe feeding behavior of rats. The expressions of NLRP3 and apoptosis associated speck like protein containing a CARD(ASC)

Caspase-1

and contents of IL-1β in the prefrontal cortex were detected by Western blot

immunohistoche-mistry and ELISA

separately. Results Compared with the control group

the latency of the novelty-suppressed feeding

and the expressions of NLRP3

ASC

Caspase-1 and IL-1β content in the prefrontal cortex of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01). Following the interventions

the latency of the noveltysuppressed feeding

and the expressions of NLRP3

ASC

Caspase-1 and IL-1β content in the prefrontal cortex in the acupuncture and fluoxetine groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05

P<0.01). There was no significant differences in the above indicators between the acupuncture group and the fluoxetine group(P>0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture could inhibit the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome signal pathway in the pre-frontal cortex

and reduce the inflammation in the brain

which may mediate the anti-depressant effect of acupuncture.