Objective To observe the effect of acupuncture of "Shenmai"(BL 62) and "Zhaohai"(KI 6)

"Shenmen"(HT 7)

etc.on the expression of hypothalamic γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA) and GABAA receptor(GABAAR) proteins in experimental insomnia rats so as to explore its mechanism underlying improving sleeping.Methods Seventy Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control

model

"Sanyinjiao"(SP 6)

"Neiguan"(PC 6)

"Zusanli"(ST 36)

"Shenmen"(HT 7)

and "Shenmai"(BL 62)-Zhaohai(KI 6

BL 62-KI 6) groups

with 10 rats in each group.Insomnia model was established by intrape-ritoneal injection of chlorophenylalanine solution(PCPA

1 mL/100 g).An acupuncture needle was inserted into each of the bila-teral HT 7

PC 6

SP 6

ST 36 and BL 62-KI 6 respectively and manipulated for about 1 min

once daily for 7 days.Hypothamic GABA and GABAAR protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry.The animals' physical ability was evaluated by using pole-climbing test in a water tank.Results In comparison with the normal control group

the numbers of hypothalamic GABA immunoreaction(IR)-and GABAAR IR-positive neurons and the pole-climbing time were reduced significantly in the model group(P<0.05).While in comparison with the model group

the numbers of hypothalamic GABA IR-positive neurons and those of hypothalamic GABAAR IR-positive neurons in the HT 7

PC 6

SP 6

ST 36 and BL 62-KI 6 groups

as well as the pole-climbing duration in the SP 6

ST 36 and BL 62-KI 6 groups were increased considerably(P<0.05

P<0.01).The effects of HT 7 and BL 62-KI 6 groups were significantly superior to those of PC 6

ST 36 and SP 6 groups in up-regulating GABA and GABAAR expression

and the effect of BL 62-KI 6 group was remarkably better than those of HT 7

PC 6

SP 6 and ST 36 groups in lengthening the pole-climbing time(P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture can effectively suppress insomnia induced down-regulation of hypothalamic GABA and GABAAR in rats and lengthen pole-climbing time

which may contribute to its effect in relieving insomnia.