Electroacupuncture's Impact on the Hippocampal RAGE/LRP1 Receptor System in SAMP8 Mice

Abstract Age‐related cognitive impairment (ARCI) is linked to β‐amyloid (Aβ) accumulation and disrupted blood‐brain barrier (BBB) transport via receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 (LRP1). This study examines electroacupuncture (EA) effects on cognition, hippocampal pathology, neurotransmitters, and the RAGE/LRP1 system in senescence‐accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice. EA at Zusanli (ST36) and Baihui (GV20) improved cognitive performance, reduced hippocampal neuronal degeneration, elevated cerebrospinal fluid dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and decreased Aβ42 levels. EA downregulated hippocampal RAGE, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1), and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), upregulated LRP1 and apolipoprotein E (ApoE), promoting Aβ clearance. NF‐κB expression remained unchanged, suggesting alternative anti‐inflammatory pathways. Thus, EA offers a promising non‐pharmacological treatment for ARCI.