Objective:To explore the effect of acupuncture on the contents of hypothalamic neuropeptides in obesity rats. Methods: 15 SD rats were randomly and evenly divided into control

model and acupuncture groups. Obesity model was established before experiments. “Zusanli"(ST 36) and “Neiting"(ST 44) were punctured and stimulated electrically (10?Hz

1.5?V

continuous waves) for 10?min

once daily

continuously for 14 times. Changes of body weight

Lee's index[3body weight (g)/ body length(cm)×10 3]

body fat weight

as well as the contents of β endorphin (β EP)

α melanocyte stimulating hormone (α MSH)

bombesin (BOM)

neuropeptide Y (NPY)

angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ)

atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) in the hypothalamic tissue of obesity rats were assayed with radioimmunoassay. Results: The body weight

Lee's index

body fat weight

and the levels of β EP

NPY and AngⅡ in hypothalamic tissue of obesity rats were significantly higher than those of normal rats ( P <0.05～ 0.01)

but the levels of α MSH

BOM

ANP and CGRP of obesity rats were significantly lower than those of normal rats ( P <0.05～0.01). There were positive interrelation between the contents of β EP

NPY

AngⅡ and body weight

obesity index and the body fat weight; but the interrelation between the contents of α MSH

BOM

ANP and CGRP and the obesity index was negative. After acupuncture treatment the marked weight lose effect was achieved while the contents of β EP

NPY

AngⅡ in hypothalamic tissue were markedly decreased ( P <0.05～0.01)

and those of α MSH

BOM

ANP and CGRP in hypothalamic tissue obviously increased ( P <0.05～0.01). Conclusion: The abnormal increase of β EP

NPY and AngⅡ levels as well as the abnormal decrease of α MSH

BOM

ANP and CGRP levels in rat hypothalamic tissue may be responsible for obesity. Acupuncture induced changes of neuropeptide levels in the hypothalamic tissue of obesity rats possibly contribute to its antiobesity action in clinic.