Research of EA on mitophagy in the midbrain substantia nigra of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1，2，3，6-tetrahydropyridine mice

Key Points

• The study aims to investigate the impact of electroacupuncture on mitophagy in the substantia nigra of mice with Parkinson's disease.
• Mice were divided into normal, model, electroacupuncture, model+3-MA, and electroacupuncture+3-MA groups.
• MPTP was injected to induce Parkinson's disease-like symptoms in the model group.
• Electroacupuncture was applied daily for 5 days to the electroacupuncture group.
• 3-MA was administered to some groups to inhibit autophagy for comparison.
• Behavioral observations and various molecular analyses were conducted to assess outcomes.
• The model group exhibited significant motor function impairment and altered mitochondrial structure compared to normal controls.
• Electroacupuncture improved markers of motor function and reduced α-synuclein aggregation.
• Electroacupuncture led to increases in TH, PINK1, Parkin, Beclin-1, and LC3 expression compared to the model group.
• Co-administration of 3-MA reversed the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture.