Objective: To reveal the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) on celluar immune function in rats. Methods: According to blocked randomization method thirty two Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group

EA group

model group and model + EA group. Immunosuppressive model was established by intraperitoneal (ip) injection of cyclophosphamide (CY

100 mg/kg

twice). Bilateral "Zusanli"(ST 36) were punctured with filiform needles and stimulated with an EA therapeutic apparatus

once daily

continuously for 7 days. T lymphocyte subgroups of peripheral blood including CD 4 + and CD 8 + were measured by direct microvolume whole blood immunoflurescent staining technique and a flow cytometer

and erythrocyte immune indexes including RBC C 3bRR and RBC ICR were analyzed using immunoadhesion yeast rosette method. Results: ① Following ip of CY

the values of RBC C 3bRR and CD 4 + in model group were obviously lower than those of control group (P<0.05

0.01)

and no significant difference was found between two groups in RBC ICR and CD 8 + (P>0.05)

indicating that CY restrained the erythrocyte immune function and T lymphocyte subgroups of peripheral blood. ② Following acupuncture

the values of CD 4 +

RBC C 3bRR and RBC ICR in EA group raised significantly in comparison with those of control group(P<0.01)

indicating that EA had a considerable regulative effect on the immune function. But CD 8 + had no apparent changes in comparison with control group (P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between changes of CD 4 + and RBC C 3bRR(r=0.719

P<0.05). ③ The values of RBC C 3bRR

RBC ICR and CD 4 + in model +EA group were significantly higher than those of model group and control group (P<0.05

0.01). Conclusion: EA of "Zusanli"(ST 36) point can improve cell mediated T lymphocyte and red blood cell immunoadhesion functions in rats with immunosuppression.