Objective: To observe the effects of volatile oil extracted from Alpinia oxyphylla fructus(VOA) on amino acid neurotransmitters glutamic acid (Glu)

gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its receptor expression in the brain of the model rats with the rapid eye movement(REM) sleep deprivation recovery. Method: Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: blank control

sleep deprivation recovery

positive control group

sleep deprivation recovery+high and low-dose VOA treatment. After two weeks of administration

model were established with REM sleep deprivation(SD) induced by maded-self multiple platform method (MMPM). Six hours later

the levels of amino acid neurotransmitters Glu and GABA were detected in cortex and hypothalamus of the model rats by HPLC.Using immunohistochemical staining and semi-quantitative analysis of a retrovirus-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)

γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAAR) α1 and γ2 subunit expression were detected in cortical and hippocampal parts of the model rats.Whats more

after intervention of VOA

those indicators were studied too. Result: Compared to blank control group

model group rats content of Glu showed a considerable upper

while GABA showed a considerable down

GABAARα1 and γ2 subunit immunochemistry absorbance accumulated were lower significantly (P<0.01) in cortex and hippocampus

and GABAARα1

γ2 mRNA expression showed lower significantly (P<0.01) in cortex.While those indicators tended to the normal range after the treatment of VOA(P<0.01

P<0.05). Conclusion: REM sleep deprivation recovery could regulate amino acid neurotransmitters and make expression of GABAAR α1 and γ2 subunit markedly down in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. VOA can regulate amino acid neurotransmitters to normal state trend

and upward adjusting GABAAR α1 and γ2 subunit expression in the rat brain. This may be one of the mechanisms for VOAs affect of nourishing the brain and improving intelligence.