Acupuncture Treatment in a Mouse Model of Chronic Hypoxia-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction

Selecting the right anesthesia protocol is crucial for conducting mouse acupuncture due to potential cognitive impairment associated with prolonged anesthesia. It represents an essential initial challenge, demanding careful consideration to minimize cognitive function risks in mice during the procedure. In this study, we propose an improved protocol that helps to minimize functional and behavioral abnormalities caused by excessive anesthesia dosing and enhances the accuracy of the experiments.

In the future, our laboratory aims to study the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture, despite its observable therapeutic effects on behavior and pathology. Our research will focus on arriving acupuncture to gain a deeper understanding of its mechanisms. To begin, place an anesthetized mouse with chronic hypoxia-induced cognitive dysfunction on a heating pad set at 37 degrees Celsius.

Then, connect the anesthesia machine to the mouth and nose of the mouse. For electro acupuncture, locate the GV 20 acupoint on the midline of the forehead between the line connecting the ear tips. Next, locate the GV 24 acupoint 1.3 millimeters directly above the midpoint of the eyes.

Then find the ST 36 acupoint on the outside of the knee joint, about two millimeters below the fibula head. Prepare disposable acupuncture needles and an electroacupuncture device for the procedure. Now place the mouse in the prone position.

With the right thumb, index finger and middle finger, hold a stainless steel needle. Puncture the points GV 20 and GV 24 transversely at a depth of two millimeters. Then puncture the ST 36 acupoint vertically to a depth of three to four millimeters.

Connect the proximal end of the needles at GV 20 and the left SD 36 to one electrode set. Connect the proximal end of the needles at GV 24 and the right SD 36 to another electrode set. Select the continuous wave mode on the electroacupuncture device and set the electric current intensity to two milliamperes and the frequency to two hertz.

Confirm the ideal treatment by observing local mild tremors at the acupoints. Use adhesive tape to secure the horizontally inserted needle and the connection line. Administer the treatment for 30 minutes each day for six consecutive days.

Electroacupuncture appeared to improve the exploratory activity of hypoxia-induced mice. The treated mice also displayed a more organized behavior.