This study attempts to ascertain whether there is any relation between the plasma dopamine β hydroxylase (DβH) level and the effects of acupuncture in cases with headache. The experiments were performed on a group of 64 patients. Plasma DβH levels were measured before and 15 min after needling

using the method described by Nagatsu and Udenfriend with some modifications. Recorded at the same time were blood pressure (n=55) and pulse rate (n = 61). The CβH activity tended to decrease after needling in patients showing favorable effects

and to elevate in those showing less favorable effects

whereas both the decrease and elevation were found to be not significant statistically (p>0.05). The mean values of blood pressure and pulse rate in patients with favorable effects after needling were significantly lower than before needling. The experiments

therefore

suggest probably that the sympathetic nervous system participates to some extent in the analgesic effects of acupuncture in the headache patients.