Objective: To explore the underlying mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of apoplectic pseudobulbar paralysis.Methods: Seventy-five apoplectic pseudobulbar paralysis patients were evenly randomized into acupuncture

medication and acupuncture+medication groups.Plasma endothelin(ET) and nitric oxide(NO) contents were assayed before and after treatment by using radioimmunoassay and high performance liquid chromatography technique respectively.Main acupoints used were "Naosanzhen" [Naohu(GV 17) and bilateral Naokong(GB 19)]

"Shesanzhen" [Lianquan (CV 23)

and two points 1 cun bilateral to CV-23]

etc.supplemented with other acupoints according to syndrome-differentiation.Electroacupuncture(EA

frequency 10-50 Hz

strength 5-10 mA

continuous waves) was applied to these acupoints 30 min every time

once daily

with one month being a therapeutic course.Patients were treated with Cerebrolysin(20 mL+5% glucose saline 250 mL

i.v.)

Nimodipine(30 mg

t.i.d.) and Aspirin(0.3 g

b.i.d.)

continuously for one month.Results: Of the three 25 cases in acupuncture

medication and acupuncture+medication groups

3(12.0%)

2(8.0%) and 9(36.0%) were cured

13(52.0%)

7(28.0%) and 12(48.0%) had marked improvement

8(32.0%)

12(48.0%) and 3(12.0%) had improvement

and 1((4.0%)

) 4(16.0%) and 1((4.0%)) failed

with the effective rates being 96.0%

84.0% and 96.0% separately.The therapeutic effect of acupuncture+medication group was significantly superior to that of medication group(P