Objective: To investigate effects of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Zusanli" (ST 36) on changes of SP immunereactivity (IR) and VIP IR contents in rats' pituitary gland and peripheral blood as well as on cellular immune

and to explore the regulatory effect of EA on the nerve endocrine immune regulatory network. Methods: 40 SD rats were evenly randomized into normal control

"Zusanli" EA

immunosuppressive model

non acupoint and "Zusanli"+immunosuppressive groups. Immunosuppressive model was established by intraperitoneal (ip)injection of cyclophosphamide (CY

100 mg/kg). Non acupoint was located about 0.5 cm beside "Zusanli" (ST 36). Both "Zusanli" and non acupoint were punctured and stimulated with electrical parameters of frequency 2 Hz

strength 3 V

intermittent waves and duration of 30 min. Acupuncture treatment was given once daily continuously for 7 days. Changes of SP IR and VIP IR contents in the pituitary gland and peripheral blood were determined by radioimmunoassay. By using micro whole blood direct immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometer T lymphocyte subpopulations were assayed. Erythrocyte immunity indexes including red blood cell C 3b receptor rosette (RBC C 3bRR) and red blood cell immune complex rosette (RBC ICR) were determined using immunoadhesion yeast rosette method. Results: Following ip of CY

SP and VIP contents in blood and pituitary gland

CD + 4% and RBC C3bRR rate reduced significantly in comparison with normal control group (P<0.01). Hypophysis and blood SP and VIP contents

percent of CD + 4

RBC C 3bRR and RBC ICR in "Zusanli" group were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.01). While CD + 8% in "Zusanli" and immunosuppressive groups had no evident changes compared with control group (P>0.05). In addition

both changes of CD + 4 and SP and VIP contents

and those of CD + 4 and RBC C3bRR presented a significantly positive correlation (P<0.05～0.01). There were no significant differences between "Zusnali" +immunosuppressive group and control group

and between non acupoint group and control group in the above mentioned indexes (P>0.05).Conclusion: Acupuncture can raise the immunity of the body

that may be closely associated with the increased synthesis and release of SP and VIP in thepituitary gland and peripheral blood

facilitating modulation of the nerve endocrine immune regulatory network.