This study observed the plasma and myocardium NO changes in SAM-P/8 and the effects of "Xingnao Kaiqiao" acupuncture method. The results showed that the plasma NO level decreased in 2 and 8 month-old SAM-P/8 compared with that of the same month old naturing aging control SAM-R/ 1(P <0. 01 ). There were no significant differences of myocardium NO between the two substrain mice. After acupuncture treatment

the plasma NO content increased to normal level in SAM-P/8. Influencing the content of NO might be one of the major mechanisms that "Xingnao Kaiqiao" ameliorates dementia.