Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (20): 3686-3690.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.20.018

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Electroacupuncture intervention on the expression of mitogen activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in aorta of rats with spontaneous hypertension

Jiang Lin1,2, He Ke2, Chen Chu-tao2, Zhang Hong2   

  1. 1Changsha Social Work College, Changsha  410004, Hunan Province, China;
    2Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha  410208, Hunan Province, China 
  • Online:2010-05-14 Published:2010-05-14
  • Contact: Zhang Hong, Professor, Doctor, Master’s supervisor, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China zh5381271@sina.com
  • About author:Jiang Lin, Studying for master’s degree, Lecturer, Changsha Social Work College, Changsha 410004, Hunan Province, China; Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China 149765923@qq.com
  • Supported by:

    the Natural Science Commission of Hunan Provincial Science and Techonology Department, No. 03JJY4026*;
    Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Hunan Province, No. 202004*;
    National Natural Science Funds for Distinguished Young Scholars, No. 30901901*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: In recent years, a large number of clinical studies have shown that acupuncture Fengchi (GB 20), Taichong  (LR 3), Quchi (LI 11) points can effectively lower blood pressure, which can be used for the treatment of hypertension, but the molecular mechanism of this treatment has not been clarified.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular mechanism of acupuncture treatment of hypertension via observing the effects of acupuncture Fengchi (GB 20), Taichong (LR 3), Quchi (LI 11) points on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction system.

METHODS: A total of 14 8-month male spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomly divided into the acupuncture and model groups, with 7 animals in each group. Additional 7 male Wistar-Kyoto rats were served as the control group. Rats in the acupuncture group received electroacupuncture at bilateral Fengchi (GB 20), Quchi (LI 11), and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) points, pin acupuncture at the Taixi (KI 3) and Taichong (LR 3) points. The expression of MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) mRNA, MKP-1 protein and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in aorta was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot at 3 weeks after operation.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the control group, the p-ERK1/2 level was increased and the MKP-1 mRNA and protein levels were decreased in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the p-ERK1/2 level was decreased and the MKP-1 mRNA and protein levels were increased in the acupuncture group (P < 0.05). The results revealed that acupuncture treatment of spontaneously hypertensive rats may be through regulation of MAPK signal transduction pathway to enhance p-ERK1/2 protein expression and reduce MKP-1 protein expression, thereby, improve vascular remodeling and decrease blood pressure.

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