[Effects of acupuncture on Nod-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome signal pathway in the prefrontal cortex of rat with depression].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of acupuncture on the expression of pivotal molecules of Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome signal pathway in the prefrontal cortex of rats with depression, so as to explore the underlying mechanism of acupuncture on treatment of depression. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (8 rats/group)，namely control, model, acupuncture and fluoxetine groups. The depression model was established by using chronic unpredictable mild stress for 6 weeks. During modeling, acupuncture (10 min)was applied to "Baihui"(GV20) and "Yintang"(EX-HN3) for rats of the acupuncture group once a day, with 1 day interval after consecutive 6 day-period for 36 days. Fluoxetine was given (10 mg/kg，1 mg/mL) by gavage to rats of the fluoxetine group every day during modeling for 42 days. The novelty-suppressed feeding test was used to observe feeding behavior of rats. The expressions of NLRP3 and apoptosis associated speck like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, and contents of IL-1β in the prefrontal cortex were detected by Western blot, immunohistoche-mistry and ELISA, separately. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture could inhibit the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome signal pathway in the pre-frontal cortex, and reduce the inflammation in the brain, which may mediate the anti-depressant effect of acupuncture.