Immunohistochemical methods combined with computer image pattern analysis revealed that

(1 ) the relative content of CGRP in the superficial layer of spinal dorsal horn was 70. 35 ± 1. 29 in age matched (ND) group and 45. 08 ± 1. 35 in diabetic mellitus (DM) group modellized for 3 months

dropped significantly (P < 0. 001)

which of electroacupuncture (EA) group was 58. 48 ± 1. 11

elevated significantly compared with DM group (P < 0. 001 ). The content of CGRP of DM group modellized for 6 months was similiar with that for 3 months; (2) the percentage and the intensity of CGRPLI positive neurons in spinal ventral horn of DM group for 3 months dropped significantly respectively compared with that of ND group (P < 0. 001 )

but the percentage of CGRP-LI positive neurons in EA group was similiar with (P >0. 05 )

and the staining intensity in EA group was weaker than (P < 0. 05 ) that of age matched group. These results indicate that CGRP contents in the superficial layer of spinal dorsal horn and ventral horn decrease in DM group

and EA can prevent it effectively.