[Effect of electroacupuncture on cellular structure of hippocampus in splenic asthenia pedo-rats].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on hippocampal structure in splenic asthenia pedo-rats.


METHODS
A total of 15 SD male rats were randomly assigned to normal control group (n=5), model group (n=5) and EA group (n=5). Splenic asthenic syndrome model was established by intragastric administration of rhubarb and intraperitoneal injection of Reserpine for 14 d. EA (1 mA, 3 Hz/iS Hz) was applied to bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) for 20 mm, once a day for 14 days. The cellular structure of hippocampus was observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope.


RESULTS
Optical microscopic observation showed that in normal control group, the cellular nucleus was distinct, and the granular cell layer well-arranged and tight. In model group, the intracellular space was widened, and the granular cell layer was out of order in the arrangement. In EA group, the celluldr nucleus and the granular cell layer were nearly normal. Results of the electronic microscope showed that cells in model group had a karyopyknosis with irregular appearance and clear incisure, and some of them presented dissolving and necrotic phenomena; and those in EA group were milder in injury, had nearly-normal nucleus with visible nucleoli and relatively-intact nuclear membrane. Regarding the cellular plasma, in comparison with rich normal organelles of control group, the mitochondria in model group were swelling, with vague, dissolved and broken cristae, while in EA group, majority of the organelles were well-kept, and slightly dissolved mitochondrial cristae found. In regard to the synaptic structure, in comparison with control group, synaptic apomorphosis and swelling mitochondria were found in model group While in EA group, milder swelling and hydropic degeneration were seen. Different from the distinct pre- and post-synaptic membrane and synaptic vesicles of control group, while those in EA group were nearly-normal.


CONCLUSIONS
electroacupunture can effectively relieve splenasthenic syndrome induced pathohistological changes of neurons of the hippocampus in the rat.
Yang
Zhuo-xin
ZX
Shenzhen Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518033, China. qinguan64@yahoo.com.cn
Zhuo
Yuan-yuan
YY
Yu
Hai-bo
HB
Wang
Ning
N
D000818:Animals; D001247:Asthenia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D022082:Cellular Structures / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D015671:Electroacupuncture; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013154:Spleen / Q000503:physiopathology*