To observe the effect of Spleen-Meridian-acupoint injection of Lentinan on the immunologic function in spleen-deficiency rabbits. Methods A total of 54 Newzealand rabbits were randomly divided into normal (n=10)

model (n=8)

intramuscular injection (n=10)

Sanyinjiao (SP 6

n=10)

Diji (SP 8

n=8) and Xuehai (SP 12

n=8) groups. Spleen-qi deficiency model was established by intragastric administration of 100% crude Radix et Rhizoma Rhei decoction (15 mL/kg/day× 10 d )

and then Lentinan (LNT

0.025 mg/kg/2 day×5) was injected into the aforementioned acupoints of the Spleen Meridian. The erythrocyte immunologic function(RBC-C 3 bR

RBC-IC)

hemolysin(IgM)and changes of physical signs of the rabbits were observed. Results In comparison with the control group

the rabbits' body weight

rectal temperature

RBC-C 3 bR% and serum IgM level were decreased significantly in model group ( P<0.05 ); while in comparison with the model group

the body weight in SP 8 group

retal temperature in SP 9 and SP 8 groups

RBC-C 3 bR% in SP 9 and SP 12 groups

and serum IgM levels in SP 9

SP 8 and SP 12 groups increased considerably ( P<0.05

P<0.01 ). Comparison among the 4 treatment groups showed that the effect of SP 12 was superior to that of intramuscular injection group in upregulaing RBC-C 3 bR%

and the effects of SP 9

SP 8 and SP 12 groups were significantly superior to those of intramuscular injection group in upregulating serum IgM level ( P<0.05 ). Conclusion The Spleen-Meridian-acupoint injection of LNT is superior to that of intramuscular injection of LNT in improving the spleen-qi deficiency rabbits' symptoms and immunologic function.