In order to investigate the role of acupuncture in the regulation of cellular immune function. weobserved acupuncture therapy affecting the levels of T lymphocytes subgroup (CD3-

CD4 +. CD8+ )

soluble interleukin-2 receptor (SIL-2R) and beta-endorphine (β-EP ) in the peripheral blood of patientswith malignant tumors. Here was used the random-gioland method

the patients were divided into agroup treated by acupuncture (acup. group

20 cases ) and a control group (20 cases ). The acup. groupwas treated using points PC6

L14

ST36. RN4 and location of symptometic points bilaterally

onetreatment of 30 min daily for 10 days. The results showed that there were increased levels of CD3+

CD3+ percentage. CD4+ /CD8+ ratio and radioimmunoassay of &EP in blood plasma

a decreased levelof SIL-2R after acup. The statistical significance was found to be remarkable (P<0.01 )

so has a notable difference

the correlation analysis indicated: (1 ) there was a positive correlation between β-EPand T lyrnphocytes subgroups; (2 ) a negtive correlation between β-EP and SIL-2R

so did it betweenT subgroups and SlI--2R. Our results showed that β-EP enhanced immune function of patients by increased T lymphocyte subgroups

reduced SIL-2R

and this action of β-EP may be mediated by opioid receptor. The above mentioned results presented evidence that there was an adJusting-network of immuusl. in the body

through this way

acup. therapy can heighten the cellular immune function of patients

providing a beneficial effect in anti-cancer treatment.