Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA) of "Zusanli"(ST 36) on serum TNF-α and IL-6 contents and pancreatic nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB) expression in acute pancreatitis rats.Methods Sixty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation(sham)

model and EA groups(n=22).Acute pancreatitis model was established by intra-pancreatic duct injection of 3.5% sodium taurocholate(0.1 mL/100 g).EA(2 Hz /100 Hz

2 mA) was applied to bilateral ST 36 for 30 min after modeling and at the end of the experiment.The animals were killed at 3 h(n=7)

6 h(n=7) and 12 h(n=8) after modeling.The expression of pancreatic NF-κB P 65 was detected by immunohistochemical staining

and serum TNF-α and IL-6 contents were determined by ELISA.The pathological changes of pancreatic tissue were displayed by H.E.staining and the quantity of ascite was measured by electronic balance.Results The pathologic score

ascite quantity

serum TNF-α and IL-6 contents

and pancreatic NF-κB P 65 expression levels at 3 h

6 h and 12 h after modeling were significantly higher in the model group than in the sham group(P<0.05).Compared with the model group

the pathologic score

ascite quantity

se-rum TNF-α and IL-6 contents

and pancreatic NF-κB P 65 expression levels at 3 h

6 h and 12 h were significantly decreased in the EA group(P<0.05).Microscopic observation displayed that the necrosis of the pancreatic acinar cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells were lighter in the EA group than in the model group.Conclusion EA at ST 36 is able to down-regulate sodium taurocholate injection induced increase of serum TNF-α and IL-6 contents

and pancreatic NF-κB P 65 expression level in acute pancreatitis rats

which may contribute to its effect in relieving necrosis of the pancreatic acinar cells and infiltration of pancreatic inflammatory cells.