The neuroprotection of electro-acupuncture via the PGC-1α/TFAM pathway in transient focal cerebral ischemia rats

ATP depletion is one of the pathological bases in cerebral ischemia. Electro-acupuncture (EA) widely used clinical practice for However, mechanism EA remains unclear. The purpose this study was to investigate whether could activate AMPK/PGC-1α/TFAM signaling pathway and, consequently, increase preservation rats with In study, 48 were randomly divided into four groups as a sham-operation control group (sham group), middle artery occlusion (MCAO an group, and blocked by AMPK inhibitor compound C (EA + CC group) (N = 12/group). received treatment 7 days. that belonged two remaining only grasped same condition. Then, their brain tissues collected further detection. When compared other groups, significantly reduced neurological deficits score increased motor function. infarction volume according TTC staining. With western blot, we found improved ratio p-AMPKα/AMPKα (P < 0.05), however, there no difference between MCAO sham > 0.05). addition, also expression PGC-1α TFAM (all P By Elisa, observed 0.05) mitochondrial respiratory enzymes, including Complex I IV but not III summary, conclude may protect against ischemic damage rats, improve enzymes. This effect be positively regulated activation PGC-1α/TFAM pathway.