Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture(EA)at Zusanli(ST 36)and Neiguan(PC 6)on stress responses of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.Methods A total of 40 patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery were randomized into conventional treatment group(control)and EA group(n=20 in each group).Patients of the EA group received conventional treatment(pre-and post-surgical fasting

measures for gastrointestinal decompression

parenteral nutrition support

and patient controlled analgesia pump

etc.)and EA stimulation(2 Hz

30 min)of bilateral ST 36 and PC 6(twice after surgery

at an interval of 6 h)

and patients of the control group received conventional treatment only.The visual analogue scale(VAS)score was used to assess the patients' pain severity and the blood glucose levels were detected once every4-6 hwithin 24 hafter operation.Serum cortisol(Cort)and adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)levels were detected by chemiluminescence method

and serum D-lactic acid level(for assessing gastrointestinal mucosal injury)was assayed by ELISA.Results After the treatment

the levels of serum Cort

ACTH

D-lactate acid and the highest blood glucose were significantly lower in the EA group than those in the control group(P<0.05

P<0.01)

suggesting a reduction of stress reactions after EA.But no significant difference was found between the control and EA groups in the VAS score(P>0.05).Conclusion EA at ST36 and PC 6 can alleviate stress responses and reduce intestinal mucosal damage in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.