Objective To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on the expression of β-amyloid(Aβ) and autophagy-related proteins in hippocampal cells of Alzheimer's disease(AD) model mice

so as to explore its underlying mechanisms. Methods Eighteen male APP/PS1 transgenic mice(6 months old) were randomly divided into model and EA groups

with 9 mice in each group. Nine male C57 BL/6 wild-type mice of the same age were chosen as the normal group. Mice in the EA group were treated with acupuncture on “Baihui”(GV20) and EA(1 Hz/50 Hz

1 mA) on bilateral “Yongquan”(KI1)

once every other day

20 min each time for a total of 21 times. After the interventions

the spatial learning and memory ability were observed by Morris water maze test. The autophagy-related pathological changes in hippocampus were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expressions of microtublue associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3) and Aβ in hippocampus were observed by immunofluorescence and the expression levels of LC3 and p62 proteins were detected by Western blot. Results Compared with the normal group

the escape latency was prolonged(P<0.01)

the residence time in the original quadrant platform was shor-tened(P<0.05)

the positive expressions of LC3 and Aβ

the expression levels of LC3Ⅱ and p62 proteins

and the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ proteins in hippocampus were increased(P<0.01

P<0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group

the escape latency was shortened(P<0.05)

the residence time in the original quadrant platform was prolonged(P<0.05)

the positive expressions of LC3 and Aβ

the expression levels of LC3Ⅱ and p62 proteins

and the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ proteins in hippocampus were decreased(P<0.05) in the EA group. The transmission electron microscopy showed that the structure of neurons was normal in the normal group

a large number of autolysosomes and autophagosomes existed in hip-pocampal nerve cells in the model group

and only a small number of autophagosomes were observed in the EA group. Conclusion EA can reduce the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins LC3 and p62 in APP/PS1 transgenic mice

improve the hip-pocampal autophagy state

reduce intracellular Aβ aggregation

and thus improve the learning and memory ability.