Objective To observe the effect of penetrative needling of"Baihui"(GV 20)to"Qubin"(GB 7)on neurologic functions and expression of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α

interleukin(IL)-6and toll-like receptor 4(TLR-4

involving in inflammatory reactions)in the tissue around the local cerebral hematoma in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH)

so as to provide evidence for clinical treatment of ICH.Methods Fifty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham control

model and acupuncture groups

and then further divided into three time-point subgroups(1

3

7days after modeling

n=6/subgroup).The ICH model was established by injection of the rat's autoblood(50μL)into the putaman region(P:0.2mm

R:3.5mm)in a stereotaxic apparatus and confirmed by Berderson's neurologic examination grading system(0-3points).The neurologic function was assessed by using Longa's scoring(5-points)and footfault asymmetry testing[footfault index=(contra faultsipsi faults)/total steps in 2min].For penetrative needling

an acupuncture needle was inserted into GV 20 and controlled to advance to GB 7on the affected side and retained for 30 min

once daily.The expression of TNF-α

IL-6and TLR-4in the cerebral tissue around the putaman was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results After penetrative needling stimulation

the increased Longa's score and footfault asymmetry score in ICH rats were significantly decreased on day 1

3 and 7 after modeling(P<0.01)

suggesting an improvement of neurologic function after the treatment.Immunohistochemical staining outcomes of the cerebral tissue surrounding the autoblood injection site showed that the expression levels of TNF-α

IL-6and TLR-4proteins on day1

3and 7were considerably higher in the model group than in the control group(P<0.01)

and markedly lower in the acupuncture group than in the model group(P<0.01)

suggesting a suppression of the proinflammatory factors and TLR-4levels around the locus of the brain after needling intervention.A positive correlation existed between the expression levels of TLR-4and IL-6/TNF-α.Conclusion Penetrative needling stimulation of GV 20 to GB 7can reduce the levels of proinflammatory factors TNF-αand IL-6

and TLR-4in the ICH tissues in rats with cerebral hemorrhage

which may contribute to its effect in improving neurological function.