Objective To observe the effect of acupuncture(Acu) on bone metabolism and serum estradiol (E2) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats for studying its underlying mechanism in treating osteoporosis. Methods Forty female SD rats of six months were randomized into sham operation (sham)

model

Acu and Diethylstibestrol (DES) groups

with 10 cases in each. Postmenopausal osteoporosis model was established by removing ovaries under anesthesia. In Acu group

bilateral "Dazhu" (BL 11)

"Shenshu" (BL 23) and "Pishu" (BL 20) were punctured and stimulated for 30 minutes

once daily for 60 days. Rats of DES group were drenched with saline+DES (22.5 μg/ml) 1 ml/100 g

once daily for 60 days. At the end of experiments

blood samples were collected from femoral artery for assaying serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) contents by using biochemistry

and serum bone gla protein (BGP) and E2 levels by immunoradioassay. Results Compared with sham group

uterus wet weight

serum E2 content in model group decreased significantly (P<0.01); while body weight

serum ALP

BGP and TRAP levels in model group increased significantly (P<0.01

0.05). Compared with model group

uterus wet weight and serum E2 content in Acu and DES groups increased significantly (P<0.01); while body weight

serum ALP

BGP and TRAP levels decreased considerably (P<0.01). No significant differences were found between Acu and DES groups in serum E2

ALP

BGP and TRAP levels (P>0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture can suppress abnormal increase of body weight and decrease of serum E2 level

and significantly downregulate serum ALP

BGP and TRAP levels in OVX rats

which may contribute to its effect in relieving osteoporosis.