Objective To observe the effect of encircled needling plus electroacupuncture(EA) of the second pair of nipples on hyperplastic mammary glands

serum estradiol(E2)

progesterone(P)

prolactin(PRL)and testosterone(T)contents

estrogen receptor(ER) expression of the mammary glands in mammary hyperplasia rats.Methods Forty Wistar rats were equally randomized into normal control

model

acupuncture and medication groups.Mammary gland hyperplasia model was established by intramuscular injection of diethylstilbestrol(0.5 mg/kg

once daily for 25 days) and progesterone(4 mg/kg

once daily for 5 days).For rats of the acupuncture group

4 filiform needles were inserted into the surrounding tissues of the second pair of breasts

respectively

followed by giving the animal with EA stimulation for 30 min.Another one acupuncture needle was inser-ted into "Danzhong"(CV 17) and retained for 30 min.For rats of the medication group

tamoxifen solution(1.8 mg/kg) was given by gavage.Both medication and EA intervention were given once daily for 30 days.The diameter and height of the second pair of nipples were measured before and on the 10th

20th and 30th days of the treatment.Serum E2

P

PRL and T levels were assayed by radioimmunoassay

and the tissues of the second pair of nipples were stained with H.E.method.Estrogen receptor immunoactivity of the breast tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results The diameter and height of the second pair of nipples

serum E2

PRL and T contents

and breast ER protein expression level were significantly higher in the model group than in the normal control group(P<0.05)

while serum P content was remarkably lower in the model group than in the normal control group(P<0.05).In comparison with the model group

the diameter and height of the second pair of nipples

serum E2

PRL and T contents

and breast ER protein expression level were considerably lower in both acupuncture and medication groups(P<0.05)

and serum P contents were significantly higher in the latter two groups(P<0.05).In addition

H.E.staining showed that the numbers of the lobule

alveolus and ducts of mammary glands were significantly increased

and the expansion of the acinar lumina and ducts was found in the model group.These pathological changes were relatively milder in both acupuncture and medication groups.Conclusion Encircled needling plus EA stimulation of the surrounding tissues of the nipples can improve the hyperplasic nipples and pathological changes of the breast tissue in mammary gland hyperplasia rats

which is closely asso-ciated with its functions in lowering serum estradiol

prolactin

testosterone contents and estrogen receptor protein expression of the breast

and in increasing serum progesterone level.