The expression of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in the hippocampus of rats restrained and stressed by electroacupuncture

Objective To observe the expression of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) in the hippocampi of rats stressed by restraint,and adjustments to 11β-HSD1 expression in response to electroacupuncture.The mechanisms of adjustment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis(HPA) to electroacupuncture were also studied.Methods Rats were randomly divided into a control group,a group stressed by restraint and an electroacupuncture group.The rats in the control group received no treatment. The rats in the strssd group were put into a small columnar cage and their hind legs tied outside the cage. The electroacupuncture group, in addition to being restrained,received electroacupuncture at the Zusanli acupoints on both sides of their bodies. The rats were then sacrificed and their hippocampi were isolated and lysed. The expression of 11β-HSD1 in each hippocampus were observed using the Western blotting technique. Results The leves of expression of 11β-HSD1 in the hippocampi of the restrained group were significantly higher than those in the control group.After electroacupuncture,11β-HSD1 expression in the hippocampus increased further and lasted 3 h. Conclusion Electroacupuncture at the Zusanli acupoints (ST36) can increase 11β-HSD1 expression in the hippocampus of stressed rats, and this adjustment may be related to the HPA axis' negative feedback function. Key words: Hippocampus; 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1; Zusanli caupoint; Electroacupuncture