Objective To compare the effects of electroacupuncture(EA) of different acupoint groups on heart rate va-riability(HRV) and cerebral glutamate(Glu) and aspartic acid(Asp) contents in cerebrocardiac syndrome(CCS) rats.Methods A total of 52 Wistar rats were randomized into normal(n=8)

sham-operation(sham

n=8)

model(n=12)

Shuigou-Fengfu(GV 26-GV 16

n=12)

and Neiguan-Xinshu(PC 6-BL 15

n=12) groups.CCS model was established by intra-cerebral(Caudate nucleus) injection of clostridiopeptidase(1 U/μl) plus heparin(7 U/μl).EA(2 Hz/100 Hz

1-3 mA) was applied to GV 26-GV 16 and PC 6-BL 15 for 20 min

once daily for 3 days.Cerebral Glu and Asp contents were detected by high perfor-mance liquid chromatography

and HRV was analyzed by SMUP Software.Results In comparison with normal and sham groups

the R-R interval(RRI) of electrocardiogram and total variability(TV) of HRV

cerebral Glu and Asp contents in model group increased significantly(P<0.01

P<0.05)

and the ratio of low frequency/high frequency(LF/HF) decreased evidently(P<0.01).Compared with model group

RRI and TV values

and cerebral Glu and Asp contents of EA of GV 26-GV 16 and PC 6-BL 15 groups reduced markedly(P<0.01

P<0.05)

LF/HF of the later two groups increased evidently(P<0.01).No significant differences were found between GV 26-GV 16 and PC 6-BL 15 groups in RRI

TV and LF/HF of HRV

and cerebral Glu and Asp contents(P>0.05).Conclusion EA of both GV 26-GV 16 and PC 6-BL 15 can effectively improve CCS in rats

which is closely associated with their effects in lowering cerebral Glu and Asp levels and in suppressing the excitability of sympathetic nerve.