Objective:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)on serum leptin contents and the expression of leptin receptor in the hypothalamus in simple obesity rats so as to explore the underlying mechanism of acupuncture in reducing weight.Methods:A total of 45 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control

model and EA groups with 15 cases in each.Obesity model was established by feeding the animal with high fat forage.EA(10 Hz

1.5 V)was applied to "Zusanli"(ST 36)and "Zhongwan"(CV 12)for 10 min

once daily for 14 days.The body weight

body length and Lee's index were measured once every 10 days.Serum leptin contents were measured by radioimmunoassay

and leptin receptor expression was detected with immunohistochemistry.Results:In comparison with normal control group

the body weight

Lee's index and serum leptin content of model group increased significantly(P<0.05

0.01)

while in comparison with model group

these 3 indexes in EA group decreased markedly(P<0.05

0.01).Compared with normal control group

the number of leptin receptor immuno-reaction(IR)-positive cells in the hypothalamus in model group decreased considerably(P<0.01)

while compared with model group

the number of IR-positive cells increased significantly in EA group(P<0.01).It suggests that EA-stimulation induced improvement of leptin resistance may contribute to its effect in reducing body weight.Conclusion:EA can lower serum leptin level and upregulate the expression of leptin receptor in the hypothalamus in obesity rats.