Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture of “Dazhui” (GV 14) at different frequencies on serum IgE in guinea pigs with asthma. Methods: A total of 40 guinea pigs were randomly divided into control

model

1 d -acupuncture (once everyday)

2 d -acupuncture (once every other day) and 3 d -acupuncture (once every 3 days) groups

with 8 cases in each group. Asthma model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 10% Ovalbumin suspension

followed by inhaling the nebulized 1% Ovalbumin plus normal saline for 30 sec. “Dazhui” (GV 14) was punctured with a filiform needle

with the needle retained for 30 min

once every day

every other day and every 3 days respectively in the 3 acupuncture groups. Serum IgE was determined by radioimmunoassay. Results: In comparison with control group

serum IgE level in model group increased significantly (P<0.01)

while compared with model group

IgE levels of the 3 acupuncture groups decreased considerably (P<0.05

0.01

0.001)

and that of 2 d -acupuncture group was significantly lower than that of 1 d -acupuncture group (P<0.05). No significant difference was found between 1 d -acupuncture and 3 d -acupuncture groups (P>0.05) in serum IgE content. Conclusion: Acupuncture of GV-14 can significantly lower serum IgE in asthma rats

which may contribute to its effect in relieving bronchial asthma.