Objective To investigate the influence of electroacupuncture(EA) on lipid metabolism in both sexes of obesity model rats.Methods A total of 30 male and 30 female SD rats were randomized into normal control

model and EA groups respectively

with 10 rats in each group.EA(2 Hz

1-2 mA) was applied to the ipsilateral "Zusanli"(ST 36)-"Sanyinjiao"(SP 6) and bilateral "Fenglong"(ST 40) for 30 min

once daily for 28 days.In addition

"Quchi"(LI 11)

"Zhongwan"(CV 12)and"Guanyuan"(CV 4) were punctured with filiform needles and stimulated by manipulating the needle for 1 min

separately.Obesity model was duplicated by subcutaneous injection of 15% glutamic sodium(0.2 mL/10 g) once daily for 5 days and by feeding the animal with high fat forage for 36 days.Lee's index was calculated

and plasma triglyeride(TG) concentration detected by glycerol-phosphoric acid oxidase-peroxydase method

total cholesterol(TC) detected by cholesterol oxidase method

and plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C) contents were assayed by one-step method

respectively.Results In both male and female rats

compared to their own normal groups

the Lee's index

plasma TG

TC and LDL-C contents were increased significantly and plasma HDL-C contents decreased obviously in the model groups(P<0.01)

while compared to their own model groups

the Lee's index

plasma TG

TC and LDL-C levels in the EA groups were down-regulated considerably and plasma HDL-C contents up-regulated remarkably after the treatment(P<0.01

P<0.05).The efficacies of the EA intervention were obviously better in reducing Lee's index for male rats

and in down-regulating plasma TG and TC contents in female rats(P<0.05).No significant differences were found between male and female rats in EA intervention for plasma LDL-C and HDL-C levels.Conclusion EA intervention can effectively regulate obesity rats' Lee's index and plasma TG

TC

LDL-C and HDL-C levels.The effects are different in male and female rats.