Effect of acupuncture on expression of ΔFosB and CREB in hippocampal heroin-relapse rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of acupuncture on the addiction memory of rats.MethodsA model for heroin re-addicted rats was made by coupling heroin injection in increasing doses on the platform of a Morris water maze with high-frequency sounds cues. The animals were randomly divided into control group, relapse group, acupuncture group, and drug group, with 10 individuals in each group. For the acupuncture group, Băihuì ( GV 20) and “Dàzhuī” GV 14) were selected. Morris water maze was used to assess the time elapsed and the distance traveled before a rat reached the platform. The expression levels of Δ FosB and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in hippocampal CA 1 area were assessed with immunohistochemical staining.ResultsUpon completion of three treatments, the acupuncture group had significantly longer lengths of latency and swimming distance compared to the relapse group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the acupuncture group had significantly lowered expression levels of Δ FosB and CREB compared to the relapse group (P<0.05).ConclusionAcupuncture can downregulate Δ FosB and CREB expression in rats' hippocampal area and inhibit the addiction memory.