Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)of"Dazhui"(GV 14)

"Baihui"(GV 20)

etc.on learning-memory ability and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)mRNA

VEGF receptor 1(VEGFR-1/Flt-1)mRNA

and VEGFR-2(Flk-1)mRNA in the hippocampus in vascular cognitive impairment(VCI)rats so as to reveal its mechanism underlying improvement of VCI.Methods A total of 60 Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham operation

VCI model

EA and medication groups(n=12in each group).The VCI model was established by occlusion of the bilateral vertebral arteries and bilateral cervical arteries.EA(2Hz/20Hz)was applied to"Baihui"(GV 20)

"Dazhui"(GV 14)

"Shuigou"(GV 26)and"Shenting"(GV 24)for 20 min

once daily for 20 days.Rats of the medication group were treated by intragastric perfusion of Aniracetam capsules(0.0625g/kg)

once daily for 20 days.The rats' learning-memory ability was detected by step-down test.The expression levels of VEGF mRNA

Flt-1mRNA and Flk-1mRNA in the hippocampus were detected by RT-PCR

and the neurological deficit scores were assessed by Zea Longa(0-4scaling)method.Results Compared with the sham operation group

rats of the model group showed a significant increase in reaction time and error number and decrease of escape latency(reduction of learning-memory ability)

and increase in neurological deficit score

and in expression levels of hippocampal VEGF mRNA

Flt-1mRNA and Flk-1mRNA(all P<0.01).After EA treatment

in comparison with the model group

the learning-memory ability and hippocampal VEGF mRNA

Flt-1mRNA and Flk-1mRNA were apparently increased

neurological deficit score were markedly decreased in the EA group(all P<0.01).The effects of EA treatment was obviously superior to those of medication in raising learning-memory ability and up-regulating hippocampal VEGF mRNA and Flt-1mRNA expression levels

and in reducing neurological deficit score(all P<0.05).Conclusion EA intervention can apparently up-regulate hippocampal VEGF mRNA

Flt-1mRNA and Flk-1mRNA expression in VCI rats

which may contribute to its effect in improving learning-memory ability

possibly by promoting neovasculization.