Objective To observe the effect of ZhuLian's type Ⅱ inhibition needling technique on sex hormones

insulin resistance and ovarian morphology in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)

so as to explore its mechanism on regulating endocrine and metabolic dysfunction of PCOS. Methods Twenty-four female SD rats were randomly divided into control

model and ZhuLian acupuncture groups(n=8 in each group). The PCOS model was established by continuous gavage of letrozole combined with high-fat diet. Rats of the ZhuLian acupuncture group were stimulated at “Guanyuan”(CV4) and bilateral “Guilai”(ST29)

“Zusanli”(ST36)

“Sanyinjiao”(SP6)

and “Fenglong”(ST40) by ZhuLian's type Ⅱ inhibition needling technique for 30 min

continuously intervented for 28 days. The body weight was measured before and after modeling and after intervention. The ovarian volume was calculated. HE staining was used to observe the changes of ovarian histology. Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone(LH)

follicle stimulating hormone(FSH) and fasting insulin(FINS) were measured by ELISA. LH/FSH ratio and insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR) were calculated. Results After modeling

the rats' body weight and the ovarian volume were increased(P<0.05)

and the ovaries showed polycystic changes in the model group compared with the control group. And the FINS level

HOMA-IR

LH content and LH/FSH ratio were significantly increased(P<0.05)

while the FSH level was decreased(P<0.05). After the intervention

the rats' body weight and ovarian volume were decreased(P<0.05)

and a small number of preantral follicles and more antral follicles were observed under microscope

and the levels of LH

LH/FSH

FINS and HOMA-IR were significantly decreased(P<0.05)

while FSH content was increased(P<0.05) in the ZhuLian acupuncture group than in the model group. Conclusion ZhuLian's type Ⅱ inhibition needling technique can improve the endocrine and metabolic disorders in PCOS rats

which may be related to the regulation of endocrine system.