Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on behavior reactions and hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor(GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor(MR) protein expression in rats with post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)

so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of PTSD.Methods Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control

model and EA groups(10 rats/group).PTSD model was established by single prolonged stress.EA(2 Hz

1 mA) stimulation was applied to "Baihui"(GV 20) and bilateral "Zusanli"(ST 36) acupoints for 30 min

once a day for a week.Morris water maze test was used to measure the ability of spatial learning and memory.GR and MR protein expression le-vels in the hippocampus tissue were examined with immunohistochemistry.Results Compared with the control group

the animals' escape latency and the expression level of hippocampal GR protein were increased significantly

and the expression level of hippocampal MR protein

as well the ratio of MR/GR expression were down-regulated considerably in the model group(P<0.05).In comparison with the model group

the animals' escape latency and the expression level of hippocampal GR protein were shortened pronouncedly

and the expression level of hippocampal MR protein

as well the ratio of MR/GR immunoactivity were up-regulated considerably(P<0.05).Conclusion EA of GV 20 and ST 36 can improve the learning-memory ability and regulate hippocampal MR and GR expression in PTSD rats

which may contribute to its effect in relieving PTSD in clinical practice.