Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on protein Bcl-2 and Bax expression in hippocampus in hyperlipemia rats with concomitant cerebral ischemia(CI).Methods: Forty male SD rats were randomized into control

CI

hyperlipemia+CI

and hyperlipemia+CI+EA groups

with 10 cases in each group.Hyperlipemia model was established by feeding the animals with high fat forage for 6 weeks and CI model established by occlusion of the unilateral middle cerebral artery.EA(1-(3 mA)

(15 Hz)) was applied to bilateral "Sanyinjiao"(SP 6) and "Fenglong"(ST 40) for (20 min) every time;and "Baihui"(GV 20) and "Shuigou"(GV 26) were punctured and stimulated by twirled the acupuncture needle with hand continuously for(1 min).The treatment was conducted once daily and continuously for 17 days. The expression of protein Bcl-2 and Bax in the hippocampus was displayed by using immunohistochemical method.Results: In comparison with normal control group

Bcl-2 immuno-reaction(IR) positive cells in the hippocampus in CI and hyperlipemia+CI groups decreased significantly(P<0.01)

Bax IR positive cells in the same two groups increased significantly(P<0.01)

while Bcl-2/Bax also reduced remarkably(P<0.01)

meaning that after ischemia the expression of Bcl-2 was downregulated and Bax upregulated markedly.In comparison with hyperlipemia+CI group

Bcl-2 IR activity increased

Bax IR activity reduced and Bcl-2/Bax increased considerably in hyperlipemia+CI+EA group(P<0.01

0.05)

suggesting that EA could reverse the effects of hyperlipemia and CI.Conclusion: EA can eliminate hyperlipemia-and cerebral ischemia-induced abnormal expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in hyperlipemia rats with concomitant cerebral ischemia.