Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on the profiles of hippocampal whole-genome expression in depression rats so as to study its underlying mechanism in relieving depression.Methods Thirty male SD rats were randomized into normal

model and EA groups(n=10/group).Depression model was established by chronic unpredictable stress stimulation(forced ice-water swimming

electric shock

tail-clamping

etc.) and lonely raising for 21 days.EA(2 Hz

1 mA) was applied to "Baihui"(GV 20) and "Yintang"(EX-HN 3) for 15 min

once daily for 7 days.The rats' ethological activities(horizontal and vertical movements) were detected with Open-field test in Morris labyrinth

and 1% sucrose solution consumption was detected.After termination of the treatment

the rats were killed and their hippocampal tissues were taken out for analyzing the whole-genome expression with Roche-NimbleGen chips(Rattus norvegicus 12×135 Karray).Results Compared with normal group

the distance of horizontal movement

rearing times

and sucrose consumption at day 21 and day 28 of model group decreased considerably(P<0.01).In comparison with model group

the sucrose consumption at day 28 in EA group increased significantly(P<0.05).Results of gene expression microarray displayed that compared with normal group

of the down-regulated and up-regulated genes due to modeling

101 and 125 turned to normal in their expression

respectively following EA treatment.The down-regulated genes involve energy and substance metabolism

protein biosynthesis

etc.

and the up-regulated genes involve blood clotting

immunity

inflammation

apoptosis

etc.Conclusion EA of GV 20 and EX-HN 3 can normalize chronic stress stimulation induced down-and up-regulated expression of many genes in depression rats

which may contribute to its clinical effect in relieving depression.