Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To observe whether electroacupuncture stimulation of auricular concha region (EA-ACR) on behavior changes of depression by loss of control over stress model (LOC), and whether its effect is improved by regulating the expression levels of hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5-HT) 1A receptor (5-HT(1A)R)/ hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5-HT) 2A receptor (5-HT(2A)R) in hippocampus. METHODS: LOC was prepared using a Skinner box, and EA-ACR to observe behavioral changes, and Western Blot was used to detect the changes of 5-HT(1A)R/5-HT(2A)R in the hippocampus, and then observe the changes of EA-ACR behavior after microinjection of 5-HT(1A)R/5-HT(2A)R antagonist into the hippocampus. RESULTS: EA-ACR improve depressive-like behavior, up-regulated 5-HT(1A)R expression and down-regulated 5-HT(2A)R expression in hippocampal brain area. EA-ACR did not improve depression-like behavior after hippocampal microinjection of 5-HT(1A)R antagonist, while injection of 5-HT(2A)R antagonists can improve depression-like behaviors. CONCLUSION: EA-ACR can improve depressive-like behaviors. Loss of control over stress leads to up-regulation of 5-HT(1A)R and down-regulation of 5-HT(2A)R in the hippocampus, while EA-ACR mainly improves depressive behavior by regulating 5-HT(1A)R in Hip.