Electroacupuncture Alleviate Lung Injury of Sepsis Through α7nAChR and NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Abstract Background Sepsis is the leading cause of death in hospitalized patients intensive care unit (ICU). Although substantial progress has been made studies on treatment sepsis, mortality rate remains extremely high. We have previously reported that electroacupuncture (EA) induced tolerance against but underlying mechanism unclear. Methods C57BL/6 mice were pretreated with EA before sepsis was by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Then indexes associated pulmonary edema tested. And changes endogenous cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway especially their typical receptor α7nAChR detected. Finally, explored through regulating expression α7nAChR. Results The significantly decreased after while prevented this reduction. Methyllycaconitine (MLA), an antagonist α7nAChR, attenuated beneficial effects EA. On other hand, as agonist, GTS-21 produced similar protective sepsis. Furthermore, EA-induced enhancement inhibition NF-κB lungs reversed MLA administration. Conclusions robustly protects inhibits release activating mice.