CAMP-PKA-CREB信号通路上游递质系统多巴胺/肾上腺素受体在学习记忆的形成过程中起关键作用。课题组前期研究发现，针刺可激活cAMP-PKA-CREB信号通路，改善血管性痴呆大鼠的长时记忆。本项目拟从多巴胺/肾上腺素受体的角度，探讨针刺改善血管性痴呆大鼠认知功能的作用机制。采用微透析结合高效液相色谱法检测海马多巴胺含量，特异性拮抗剂结合神经行为学和神经电生理学方法评价多巴胺受体在针刺改善血管性痴呆大鼠学习记忆能力中的作用；采用放免法、免疫荧光双标和Western blotting方法检测海马去甲肾上腺素含量和β1、β2肾上腺素受体的表达水平；采用基因敲除鼠、神经行为学和PepTag等技术手段，评价多巴胺-β-羟化酶(DBH)在针刺改善血管性痴呆大鼠学习记忆能力中的角色。通过系列研究，拟揭示针刺对海马多巴胺/肾上腺素递质系统的调节作用，为针刺治疗血管性痴呆的机制研究提供科学依据。

Recent studies reported that, dopamine/β-ARs played an important role in the formation of learning and memory. Our previous study suggested that acupuncture could improve hippocampus function by modulating cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway, which represents a molecular mechanism of acupuncture for cognitive function in cerebral multi-infarction rats. In this study, we will explore the mechanism in neuroprotective effect of acupuncture in vascular dementia model through dopamine/β-ARs. Microdialysis and HPLC will be used to evaluate the level of dopamine in hippocampus; specific antagonist, neurobehavioural research and neurophysiology will be used to observe related cognitive function. ELISA assay, double immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting will be used to examine the activity of noradrenaline and the expression of β1-AR and β2-AR. (Dbh-/-) knockout mice, neurobehavioural research and PepTag will be used to measure the role of DBH in the mechanism of acupuncture for cognitive function in cerebral multi-infarction rats.We will clarify the regulatory mechanism of acupuncture through the dopamine/adrenaline transmitter system to provide a proof of acupuncture for vascular dementia.