Electroacupuncture exerts neuroprotective effects and alters gut microbiota in a MPTP-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD) induced by 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).

Methods

Motor functions were evaluated using open field test and pole tests. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the substantia nigra and striatum was detected by immunohistochemistry. Intestinal barrier integrity was assessed via immunofluorescence staining of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

EA treatment significantly improved motor deficits, restored TH expression in nigrostriatal regions, and enhanced colonic ZO-1 and Occludin levels. EA reversed MPTP-induced dysbiosis, notably normalizing the ab

SUBMITTER: Wu XC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12847003 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature