Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the inflammation and immune function in arthritis rats. Methods: A total of 32 Wistar rats were evenly randomized into control

model

EA GV 14 and EA GV 4 groups. Arthritis model was established by subcutaneous injection of Freund's complete adjuvant into the right hind paw (0.1 mL/animal). In EA GV 14 and EA GV 4 groups

“Dazhui” (GV 14) and “Mingmen” (GV 4) were punctured and stimulated electrically (15 Hz

1 mA) for 20 min. The treatment was given once every other day

continuously for 8 times. The foot swelling rate[( foot volume after establishing arthritis model minus foot volume before establishing model) ×100%] was calculated. IL 2 activity of spleen and IL 2 concentrations of serum and brain tissues were assayed with MTT colorimetric analysis and radioimmunoassay separately. Results: After establishing arthritis model

the foot swelling rates of both hind limbs were significantly higher than those of normal control group ( P <0.01); and following EA of both GV 14 and GV 4

the swelling rates of the left and right feet in EA GV 14 and EA GV 4 groups both decreased considerably compared with those of model group ( P <0.01)

suggesting a good anti inflammatory effect of EA. No significant difference was found between EA GV 14 and EA GV 4 groups ( P >0.05) in the foot swelling rate. In arthritis rats of model group

IL 2 activity of the spleen tissue declined significantly ( P <0.01)

IL 2 level in the hypothalamus tissue increased significantly ( P <0.05)

no significant changes were found in IL 2 levels of the serum and adrenal gland. Compared with model group

spleen IL 2 activity of the two EA groups increased significantly ( P <0.01)

hypothalamic IL 2 contents of EA groups lowered to a certain degree. Conclusion: EA has an apparent anti inflammatory effect and its resultant changes of IL 2 activity of the spleen and IL 2 content in the hypothalamus may contribute to its regulatory effect on the immune function by way of the neuroendocrine network.