Objective To observe the effect of scalp-acupuncture on N-acetyl-aspartate(NAA) and choline(Cho) leve-ls in the brain tissue in rabbits with intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH) so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in resisting neural lesion.Methods A total of 30 Newzealand rabbits were randomly divided into normal

model and acupuncture groups(n=10).ICH model was duplicated by injection of the rabbit-own blood(200 μL) into the bilateral Basal Nuclei(A: 2 mm;R

L: 5 mm;H: 10 mm).A filiform needle was inserted into "Baihui"(GV 20) to "Taiyang"(EX-HN 5) on the hemorrhage side

manipulated for 1 min

and then retained for 30 min(manipulated once again every 10 min).The treatment was conducted once daily for 7 days.Contents of NAA

Cho and creatine(Cr) in the intracerebral peri-hematoma tissues were detected by using 1H-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy(MRS).Results Compared with the normal group

NAA/Cr ratios at the time points of 2 h

3 d and 7 d after ICH in the model group were decreased markedly(P<0.05)

while Cho/Cr ratios at the same 3 time-points after ICH in the model group were increased markedly(P<0.05).In comparison with the model group

NAA/Cr ratio on day 3 after ICH in the acupuncture group was obviously higher(P<0.05)

while Cho/Cr ratios on day 3 and 7 were significantly down-regulated in the acupuncture group(P<0.05).No significant changes were found in NAA/Cr ratios at 2 h and on day 7 and in Cho/Cr ratio at 2 h after ICH between the acupuncture group and the model group.Conclusion Penetrative acupuncture of GV 20-EX-HN 5 is effective in suppressing ICH-induced increase of Cho/Cr ratio in ICH rabbits

which may contribute to its function in accelerating neural repair process.