Objective To study the effect of acupuncture on blood oxygen free radical metabolism in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS).Methods Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into control group(n=10)

model group(n=10) and acupuncture group(n=10).CFS model was established by repeated suspension(1.0-2.5 h) and forced cold water swimming(7 min)

once daily continuously for 12 days.For rats in the acupuncture group

bilateral "Zusanli"(ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao"(SP 6) were stimulated by manipulating the acupuncture needles intermittently for 20 min

once daily

and with 7 days being a treatment course.The treatment was conducted for three courses with an interval of 3 days between two courses.Serum malonaldehyde(MDA) content

superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity

and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-PX) activity were detected by thiobarbituric acid chromatometry(TBA)

xanthine oxidase(XOD) and dithio-bis-nitrobenzoic acid(DTNB)

respectively.Results In comparison with the control group

serum MDA content was up-regulated significantly

while serum SOD activity and GSH-PX activity were decreased considerably in the model group(P<0.01).Compared with the model group

serum MDA level was down-regulated apparently

and serum SOD activity and GSH-PX activity were up-regulated remarkably in the acupuncture group(P<0.01).Conclusion Acupuncture can adjust metabolism of serum oxygen free radicals in CFS rats

which probably contributes to its effect in relieving CFS in clinic.