To study the effect of β EP in treatment of acute cerebral infarction by using penetration needling of scalp points. Method: 30 acute cerebral infarction patients were treated with penetration acupuncture from Baihui (GV 20) to Qianding (GV 21)

and from Shuaigu (GB 8) to Xuanli (GB 6) plus electrical stimulation

once daily

with 14 days being a therapeutic course

two courses all together. Another 30 normal subjects were chosen as control group. Radioimmunoassay(RIA)was adopted to determine plasma β EP level. Result: Plasma β EP content in acute cerebral infarction patients increased significantly in comparison with that of normal subjects. After stimulation of scalp points

plasma β EP level lowered apparently compared with pre treatment (P<0.01). Conclusion: Scalp point penetration needling may improve blood supply of cerebral cells in the focus of infarction by adjusting the content of plasma β EP in patients with acute cerebral infarction.