Objective To observe the influence of"Tong Du Tiao Shen"(Governor-Vessel-Dredging and Mental Activity Regulating)acupuncture method on dynamic changes of cerebral TNF-αand C-reaction protein(CRP)levels in focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(CI/R)rats

so as to master the optimal time point of acupuncture therapy for cerebral infarction.Methods A total of 72 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control

sham-operation

model and acupuncture groups which were further divided into 6h

24 hand 48hsubgroups(n=6in each subgroup).The CI/R model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery.Acupuncture stimulation of"Baihui"(GV 20)

"Fengfu"(GV 16)and "Dazhui"(GV 14)was conducted for 30 min.Neurological deficit symptoms were assessed with the Zea-Longa neurological deficit score and TNF-αand CRP contents in the brain tissue were detected using double sandwich ABC-ELISA method.Results In comparison with the model group

the Zea-Longa neurological deficit score was significantly decreased in the acupuncture group(P<0.01).Cerebral TNF-αand CRP levels at time-points of 6h

24 hand 48hafter CI/R were significantly increased in the model group than in both control and sham groups(P<0.01).In the acupuncture group

cerebral TNF-αand CRP levels were obviously lower than those of the model group(P<0.01).Conclusion Manual acupuncture stimulation of GV 20

GV 16 and GV 14 can relieve neurological deficit function in CI/R rats

which may be related to its function in suppressing TNF-αand CRP levels.