Objective: To probe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of three different segments (wrist

elbow and shoulder portions) of the Heart Meridian on the cardiac function in rabbits with acute myocardial ischemia (AMI). Methods: A total of 50 rabbits anesthetized with urethane (1 g/kg) were randomized into control group

model group

EA-wrist-segment group

EA-elbow-segment group and EA-shoulder-segment group

with 10 cases in each group. AMI was induced by intravenous injection of posterior pituitary hormone (2 μ/kg+saline to 2 mL). Three different segments of the Heart Meridian were punctured and stimulated electrically with ZYZ-1 EA-Therapeutic Apparatus separately. Left ventricular pressure (LVP)

maximum rising rate (dp/dtmax) of LVP

the area of myocardial force loop (ACFL) and the maximal shortening velocity of myocardium (Vmax) were used as the indexes. Results: After AMI

LVP

dp/dtmax

ACFL and Vmax in model group decreased significantly in comparison with those of control group(P<0.01)

while compared with model group

values of the 4 indexes of EA-wrist-segment group

EA-elbow-segment group and EA-shoulder-segment group were significantly higher(P<0.05～0.01)

values of the 4 indexes of EA-wrist-segment group were all significantly higher than those of both EA-elbow-segment group and EA-shoulder-segment group (P<0.05)

but no significant differences were found between EA-elbow-segment group and EA-shoulder-segment group in these 4 indexes. Conclusion: EA stimulation of different segments of the Heart Meridian can improve performance of the ischemic heart and the wrist segment of this meridian has a representative role.