Objective:To observe the effect of acupuncture on ischemic cerebral neurons and to investigate its molecular mechanisms in reducing cerebral ischemic injury. Methods: Forty SD rats were randomly and evenly assigned to model group and acupuncture group. Cerebral ischemia model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Electroacupuncture (EA

2 Hz

1 mA

duration of 60 min) was applied to “Shuigou”(GV 26)

“Neiguan”(PC 6) and “Baihui”(GV 20). Sections of the cerebral tissue were stained by using immunohistochemical (ABC) method. The number of apoptosis and Bcl 2 expression were observed under microscope. Results: The mean numbers of apoptotic cells of the local ischemic cerebral region in model group and acupuncture group were 7.23±1.50 and 3.16±1.12 respectively

showing that the apoptotic cells of acupuncture group were significantly fewer than those of model group. The mean numbers of Bcl 2 immunoreactive (IR) positive neurons of model and acupuncture groups were 42±21 and 89±14 separately

with the number of Bcl 2 IR positive neurons of acupuncture group being markedly more than that of model group ( P <0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture could apparently suppress cerebral ischemia induced apoptosis and up regulate Bcl 2 protein expression

that may contribute to the protective effect of acupuncture on ischemic cerebralneurons.