Regulating the Plasticity of Hippocampal Neurons via Electroacupuncture in Depression Model Mice

Abstract

Effective treatment of depression poses a major clinical challenge, accompanied by considerable social and emotional burdens. Electroacupuncture, a non-pharmacological modality derived from traditional Chinese medicine, offers a promising alternative for depression treatment due to its safety and efficacy. However, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, a corticosterone-induced depression model in C57BL/6 mice was employed and electroacupuncture was applied to stimulate at Zusanli (ST36) acupoint. The results demonstrated that electroacupuncture effectively alleviated depression-like symptoms and restored the structural morphology and plasticity of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region. Further analysis revealed a significant upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and β-type calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKIIβ), which are associated with neuronal plasticity regulatory pathways. This study elucidates the potential molecular mechanisms by which electroacupuncture alleviates depression through the regulation of neuroplasticity, providing an experimental basis for its clinical application.

Keywords

depression / electroacupuncture / hippocampus / neuronal plasticity

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2025 The Author(s). Cell Proliferation published by Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.