Objective:To explore methods for establishing pathological model of “Qi arriving at the affected area" of traditional Chinese medicine

and to try to provide a clue for further studying about the essence of meridians. Methods: Thirty male rabbits anesthetized with 20% urethane (1 g/kg) were randomly divided into experimental group ( n =15) and control group ( n =15). Silver ball electrodes were placed separately below the spinous processes of C 7

T 3

L 4 and L 6 for recording the spinal evoked potential (SEP) after electrical stimulation of the exposed heart for 15 sec (for inducing pathological changes

the artificial focus) and subsequent electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of bilateral “Zusanli"(ST 36). The reference electrode was placed beneath the subcutaneous tissue. Ten minutes later

Nitrate Strychnine (2 mL

an inhibitor of glycine) was injected into the subcutaneous tissues for enhancing the excitability of spinal cord. The treatments of control group were the same to those of experimental group except stimulation of the heart. Results: In treatment group

before cardiac stimulation

SEP could be recorded only from L 4 and L6; following cardiac stimulation

SEP could also be recorded from T 3 and C 7 (fewer cases). After administration of Nitrate Strychnine

SEP could be recorded from C 7 in every animal. Along with the appearance of SEP from C 7

the post stimulation electrocardiogram was also improved. In control group

following acupuncture stimulation of ST 36

SEP was recorded from L 4 and L 6; after subcutaneous injection of Nitrate Strychnine

SEP could also be recorded from T 3. Conclusion: The conducting SEP under background of subcutaneous administration of Strychnine may be employed as a model of “Qi arriving at the affected area".