Scalp electroacupuncture targeting trigeminal nerve activation alleviates post‐traumatic stress disorder–induced depression and neuroinflammation in mice | Synapse
March 18, 2026Open Access
Scalp electroacupuncture targeting trigeminal nerve activation alleviates post‐traumatic stress disorder–induced depression and neuroinflammation in mice
Key Points
The objective is to investigate the effects of scalp electroacupuncture on depression and neuroinflammation induced by PTSD in a mouse model.
Utilized a mouse model to simulate PTSD symptoms
Applied scalp electroacupuncture targeting the trigeminal nerve
Measured effects on neuroinflammation and depression-related behaviors
Assessed involvement of the P2X7 receptor pathway and the norepinephrine system
Observed reduction in neuroinflammation markers in treated mice
Demonstrated antidepressant effects through behavioral assessments
Showed changes in the P2X7 receptor activity
Highlighted improvement in anxiety-like behaviors
Abstract
These results demonstrated that SA exhibited anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anxiolytic effects through the P2X7 receptor pathway and the LC-norepinephrine system.