Objective To observe the effect of manual acupuncture stimulation of "Shuigou"(GV26) and "Neiguan"(PC6) on neurological function and expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in brain tissues around the intracerebral hematoma in rats with acute intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH)

so as to explore its possible mechanisms underlying improvement of ICH. Methods Ninety-six male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control

model

acupoint and non-acupoint(24 rats in each group). The ICH model was established by injection of the rat's autologous blood into the caudate nucleus. According to the time-points of 6

24

48 and 72 h after ICH

each of the 4 groups was further divided into 4 subgroups. For rats of the acupoint group

the PC6 on both sides was manually stimulated by manipulating the needle with lifting-thrusting-twisting reducing techniques

while the GV26 was stimulated with strong "sparrow-pecking" method for 10 times

then

left the needles in the acupoints for 30 min. For rats of the non-acupoint group

two non-acupoints: mid-spot below the bilateral axilla and the spot 3 mm above the left side of the coccyx tip were stimulated with the same methods to PC6 and GV26

respectively. For rats of the 6 h and 24 h subgroups

the intervention was given once after waking up from modeling

and for those of the 48 and 72 h subgroups

the intervention was conducted once a day for 2 or 3 times

respectively. The neurological severity score(NSS) was used to evaluate the degree of neurological function. The immunoactivity(expression) of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 proteins of the hematoma focus of the brain was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Following modeling

the NSS and the expression levels of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 proteins in the brain tissues surrounding the hematoma at each time-points(6

24

48 and 72 h) after modeling were significantly increased in the model group relevant to the control group(P<0.01

P<0.05). Compared with the model group

the NSS at 72 h and the expression levels of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 proteins at 6

24

48 and 72 h were significantly down-regulated in the acupoint group(P<0.05) rather than in the non-acupoint group(P>0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture of GV26 and PC6 can improve the neurological function in rats with ICH

which may be related to its function in reducing the expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 proteins(apoptosis-related proteins) in the brain.