Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)at"Sanyinjiao"(SP 6)on hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary(HPO)axis in perimenopausal rats so as to study its underlying mechanisms in improving dysfunction of HPO axis.Methods Eight female SD rats with an age of 3months were used as the normal control group

other 16perimenopausal SD rats with an age of 11-15months were equally randomized into model group and EA group.The menopause model was confirmed by vaginal smear tests for successive 15days.EA(2Hz/100Hz)was applied to bilateral"Sanyinjiao"(SP 6)for 20min

once every other day for 30days.After the treatment

the rats' hypothalamus

pituitary and left ovary tissues were collected for detecting the contents of gonadotropin releasing hormone(GnRH)

follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)

luteinizing hormone(LH)and estradiol(E2)by ELISA.Results Compared with the normal control group

the ovary E2content of the model group was significantly decreased(P<0.01)

and the pituitary FSH and LH contents

and hypothalamic GnRH content were obviously increased in the model group(P<0.01).Following EA intervention

the ovary E2level was obviously elevated(P<0.05)

while pituitary FSH and LH and hypothalamic GnRH levels were significantly down-regulated in comparison with the model group(P<0.05).Conclusion EA of"Sanyinjiao"(SP 6)can suppress menopause-induced down-regulation of ovary E2and increase of pituitary FSH and LH and hypothalamic GnRH levels in perimenopausal rats

suggesting a favorable regulation of EA on HPO axis dysfunction.