Objective: To observe the prevention and therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) in the treatment of peripheral nervous lesion in experimental diabetes mellitus (DM) rats. Methods:42 Wistar rats were randomized into normal group (n=13)

EA group (n=15) and model group (n=14). DM model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 2% Streptozotocin (STZ). Bilateral “Shenshu”(BL 23) and “Huantiao”(GB 30) were punctured with filiform needles and stimulated electrically for 20 min

once every other day (4 weeks altogether). The conduction velocity of the sciatic nerve was determined with electrophysiological method under anesthesia (20% urethane 5 mL/kg) and microstructural changes of the nerve fibers were observed under transmission electron microscope. Results: In model group

the conduction velocity of the bilateral sciatic nerves decreased significantly and the latency of the evoked action potential prolonged compared with those of normal group (P< 0.001). In comparison with model group

the conduction velocity of the bilateral sciatic nerve increased significantly (P<0.05) and the latency shortened markedly (P<0.05). In comparison with model group

both the demyelination ratio of the myelinated nerve fibers and the swelling state (thickness) of the endothelial cells of the micro-vessels in EA group reduced significantly (P<0.001). Conclusion: EA is of favorable effect in improving peripheral nervous lesion in MD rats.