Effect of electroacupuncture on drug-seeking behaviors induced by heroin priming and FosB expression in relevant brain regions

Objective To explore the effect of electroacupuncture on heroin seeking behavior and FosB expression in relevant brain regions. Methods Rat model of heroin relapse behaviors was developed with progressive fixed ratio program, and model rats were randomly divided into 3 groups : a restraint group, a needle retention group, and a electroacupuncture group. The heroin seeking behavior was elicited by a small dose of heroin. FosB expression in relevnt brain region was assessed with immunohistochemical technique. Results Tests on reinstatement of drug seeking behavior induced by heroin priming showed that compared with the restraint group, active pokes in the electroacupuncture group decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with the restraint group, the expression of FosB positive nuclei in Acd, Pcg and CeA of rats brain both in the electroacupuncture group and the needle retention group (P < 0.05) decreased significantly. In LC, the expression of FosB positive nuclei in the needle retention group decreased significantly compared with the restraint group (P < 0. 05). Conclusion Continuous acupuncture and needle retention attentuate the reinstatement of heroin-seeking behaviors induced by heroin priming, and the inhibitory effect may be mediated partially by the expression of FosB in relevant regions which are involved in the process of heroin addiction.