Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture on tear secretion and the concentration of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide(VIP) in the lacrimal gland tissue in the rabbit.Methods: A total of 16 female New Zealand rabbits were randomized into control and acupuncture groups with 8 cases in each group."Taiyang"(EX-HN 5)

"Cuanzhu"(BL 2) and "Sizhukong"(TE 23) on the right side were punctured with filiform needles and stimulated for a while with hand by lifting

thrusting and twirling the needle repeatedly.The needles were retained for 20 min and the treatment was conducted 3 times a week with 10 sessions being a therapeutic course.The Schirmer 1 test(S1T

reflecting the basic secretion function) was used to check the secretion function of tear before

immediately and 3 days after acupuncture treatment.The lacrimal gland tissue was sampled and homogenated for assaying the concentrations of VIP before and after acupuncture treatment with radioimmunoassay.Results: Compared with pre-acupuncture the S1T value of acupuncture group increased notably immediately and 3 days after acupuncture [((17.89±3.06) mm/5 min)

((16.89±4.46) mm/5 min) vs((10.44±1.81) mm/5 min)

(P<0.01)]

suggesting an obvious increase in the secretion of tear after acupuncture stimulation.Radioimmunoassay showed that compared with control group the average concentration of VIP in normal lacrimal gland tissue in acupuncture group was significantly higher [((109.75±22.32) pg)/(100 μg) vs((62.71±20.12) pg/100 μg)

(P<0.001)].Conclusion: Acupuncture can increase the secretion of tear and raise the concentration of VIP in lacrimal gland tissue

suggesting a direct interaction between VIP and tear secretion from the lacrimal gland.Besides

the influence of acupuncture on the secretion of tear has a long-term aftereffect.