Acupuncture as a modulator of microglial polarization and pyroptosis in depression: evidence from a chronic unpredictable mild stress rat model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder, with stress-induced neuroinflammation playing a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to be both effective and safe in the treatment of depression, but its precise mechanisms remain unclear.

Method

This study investigated acupuncture's effects on neuroglia-associated neuroinflammation in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive rats. Rats underwent CUMS for 28 days, with the acupuncture group receiving treatment at Shangxing (GV23) and Fengfu (GV16) every other day. The fluoxetine group received daily intragastric fluoxetine. Depression-like behaviors were assessed through body weight measurements and behavioral tests. Hippocampal pathology was examined using hematoxylin

SUBMITTER: Wu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12811278 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature