Objective:To study the underlying mechanism of acupuncture of “Zusanli”(ST 36)in the treatment of spleen deficiency syndrome.Methods:Twenty-six adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group(n=6)

model group(n=8)

saline group(n=6)and acupuncture group(n=6).Spleen deficiency syndrome model was duplicated by intragastric perfusion of 50% alcohol(on the 1st day

1 mL/100 g)and white vinegar for 9 days(1 mL/100 g).Before decapitation

the animals in all the 4 groups were forced to swim in a water pool under temperature of 18 ℃ till exhaustion(sinking to the bottom of the water pool).Blood samples were collected after decapitation of rats for detecting contents of serum gastrin and cortisol with radioimmunoassay.Unilateral “Zusanli”(ST 36)was punctured and stimulated manually then the needle was retained for 20 min.The treatment was given once daily and continuously for 10 days.Results:Compared with normal control group

serum gastrin and cortisol contents of model and saline groups decreased significantly(P<0.05)

while compared with model group and saline group

both gastrin and cortisol levels increased remarkably in acupuncture group(P<0.05).No significant differences were found between saline group and model group

and between normal control group and acupuncture group in serum gastrin and cortisol levels(P>0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture of “Zusanli”(ST 36)can suppress alcohol and vinegar induced decrease of serum gastrin and cortisol

which may contribute to its effect in the treatment of spleen deficiency syndrome in the rat.