GNRH expression and effect of electro-acupuncture on pubertal development in animal modelGnRH

OBJECTIVES To investigate sexual development, central GnRH expression, electrophysiological characteristics in arcuate nucleus (Arc), as well as the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) in animals at different developmental stages. MATERIALS & METHODS EA (3Hz) at the same acupoints was performed for 20 min per day in Sprague-Dawley rats for 10 days. GnRH expression in the hypothalamus was determined using RT-PCR and real-time PCR. RESULTS Testosterone (T) and sperm count in male rabbits were reduced by repeated EA (P <0.01). GnRH expression in rats of the early pubertal group (EPG) and adult group (AG) were significantly depressed by EA at acupoints (P <0.01). E A reduced significantly sperm count at puberty (P <0.01), while didn't influence body weight (P >0.01) and structures of the gonadial tissues. CONCLUSION The repeated EA is a good option that can be considered for regulating the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis during puberty.