Electroacupuncture pretreatment ameliorates anesthesia and surgery-induced cognitive dysfunction in aged rats: insights from gut microbiota modulation.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and gut microbiota in aged rats anesthetized with propofol.

Methods

Forty 18-months-old male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham, Model (MD), Sham Electroacupuncture (JE), and Electroacupuncture (EA), with 10 rats in each group. The Sham group underwent a skin incision without surgery, while the MD, JE, and EA groups received propofol anesthesia followed by right tibial surgery. The EA group received electroacupuncture at Baihui, Shenmen, and bilateral Zusanli points for 5 days prior to surgery, while the JE group received acupuncture without electrical stimulation. Behavioral tests, including the Morris water maze and open field tes

SUBMITTER: Lei H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12703379 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature