Objective:To observe the effect of acupoint application on gastric mucosal blood flow

prostaglandin E_2 content in rats with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). Methods:A total of 48 SD rats were evenly randomized into control group

model group

acupoint application “Zusanli” (ST 36) and “Zhongwan”(CV12) group and medication group. CAG model was established by feeding the rat with 0.02% Ammonia solution for 16 weeks. Rats of medication group were fed with “Weisu Chongji” (herbal granule for protecting gastric function

804 mg/200 g body weight). Acupoint application and gastric perfusion of “Weisu Chongji” were given once daily

continuously for 2 months. Gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) and prostaglandin E_2 content (PGE_2) of the gastric mucosal tissue were assayed with neutral red clearance method and radioimmunoassay respectively. Results: In comparison with control group

the rats' body weight

GMBF and gastric mucosal PGE_2 levels of model group were significantly lower (P<0.01); while the body weight and GMBF of acupoint application and medication groups

and gastric mucosal PGE_2 content of acupoint application group were significantly higher than those of model group (P<0.01). Comparison between acupoint application and medication groups showed that the body weight

GMBF and gastric mucosal PGE_2 content of acupoint application group were significantly higher than those of medication group (P<0.05). The facts indicated that acupoint application and medication both could improve gastric mucosal blood flow and CAG rats′ constitution and raise gastric mucosal PGE_2 level and the therapeutic effect of acupoint application was superior or significantly superior to that of medication. Conclusion:Acupoint application can protect gastric mucosa by improving GMBF and increasing PGE_2 in chronic atrophic gastritis rats and is thus one of the effective therapies for CAG in clinic.