Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) intervention on the behavior

colon and midbrain substantia nigra α-synuclein(α-syn) expression in Parkinson's disease(PD) mice

so as to explore the mechanism of early EA on prevention of PD. Methods C57 BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into blank

model and EA groups

with 8 mice in each group. The PD mouse model was established by subcutaneous injection of rotenone. Mice in the EA group received EA(2 Hz

1 mA) at "Quchi"(LI11)

"Shangjuxu"(ST37) and acupuncture at "Shenting"(GV24)and "Tianshu"(ST25) for 10 min once daily

with 7 d for a course

a total of 8 courses. Behavioral tests of hanging and climbing poles were carried out before

during and after modeling. The expressions of a-syn in substantia nigra and colon were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. Results After 8 weeks of modeling

the mice in the model group showed symptoms such as listlessness

dim hair color

coldness and curling up. Compared with the blank group

the hanging score of the model group was significantly lower(P<0.01)

the pole climbing time and the expressions of α-syn protein in colon and substantia nigra were significantly increased(P<0.01). Following intervention

mice in the EA group were always in good mental state

with shiny fur and stable body weight. The hanging scores was significantly higher and the pole climbing time and the expressions of α-syn protein in colon and substantia nigra were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05

P<0.01) in the EA group relevant to the model group. Conclusion Early EA intervention can delay the onset of PD induced by rotenone

which may be related to its effect in reducing the expression of α-syn in midbrain substantia nigra and colon.