OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of acupuncture on the expression of protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) in lung tissues of asthma rats.

METHODSForty SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, an acupuncture group and a blocker group, 10 rats in each one. The rat model of asthma was established by egg albumin stimulation in the model group, acupuncture group and blocker group. Since the establishment of rat model, the rats in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Feishu" (BL 13) and "Fengmen" (BL 12) before atomization; the rats in the blocker group were treated with intervention of blocker LY294002, once every two days, for 7 times. There was no treatment in the blank group and model group. HE staining was applied to observe the morphologic changes of lung tissues; the immunohistochemical method was applied to test the protein expression of AKT in lung tissue.

RESULTSHE staining indicated the infiltration and aggregation of a variety of inflammatory cells around airways, as well as bronchial smooth muscle spasm and confined lumen in the model group; in the acupuncture group and blocker group the inflammatory cells were less and confined lumen was relieved. Compared with the blank group, the protein expression of AKT was higher in the model group (<0.05); compared with the model group, the protein expression of AKT in the acupuncture group and blocker group was reduced (both<0.05); the differences between the acupuncture group and blank group, blocker group were not significant (both>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAcupuncture could reduce the protein expression of AKT in lung tissue in asthma rats, leading to relieved inflammation reaction and airway remodeling.