Electroacupuncture in a Chronic Hypoxia-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction Mouse Model

To begin, place an anesthetized mouse with chronic hypoxia-induced cognitive dysfunction on a heating pad set at 37 degrees Celsius. Then, connect the anesthesia machine to the mouth and nose of the mouse. For electroacupuncture, locate the GV20 acupoint on the midline of the forehead between the line connecting the ear tips.

Next, locate the GV24 acupoint 1.3 millimeters directly above the midpoint of the eyes. Then find the ST36 acupoint on the outside of the knee joint about two millimeters below the fibula head. Prepare disposable acupuncture needles and an electroacupuncture device for the procedure.

Now place the mouse in the prone position. With the right thumb, index finger and middle finger, hold a stainless steel needle. Puncture the points GV20 and GV24 transversely at a depth of two millimeters.

Then, puncture the ST36 acupoint vertically to a depth of three to four millimeters. Connect the proximal end of the needles at GV20 and the left ST36 to one electrode set. Connect the proximal end of the needles at GV24 and the right ST36 to another electrode set.

Select the Continuous Wave mode on the electroacupuncture device and set the electric current intensity to two milliamperes and the frequency to two hertz. Confirm the ideal treatment by observing local mild tremors at the acupoints. Use adhesive tape to secure the horizontally inserted needle and the connection line.

Administer the treatment for 30 minutes each day for six consecutive days. Electroacupuncture appear to improve the exploratory activity of hypoxia-induced mice. The treated mice also displayed a more organized behavior.