Objective To observe the effect of manual acupuncture stimulation of"Baihui"(GV 20)

etc.on serum IFN-γand IL-4contents in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS).Methods A total of 24 male SD rats were equally randomized into control group

model group and acupuncture group.CFS model was established by bounding and forced swimming in cold water once daily for 14 days.Rats in the acupuncture group were treated by manual acupuncture stimulation of bilateral"Zusanli"(ST 36)

"Baihui"(GV 20)

and"Guanyuan"(CV 4)

once daily for 14 days.Serum IFN-γand IL-4contents were detected by ELISA.Results Compared with the control group

the contention of serum IFN-γand ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4were significant decreased in the model group(P<0.01).While in comparison with the model group

the contention of IFN-γand ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4were obviously increased in the acupuncture group(P<0.05).No significant differences were found among the three groups in serum IL-4levels(P>0.05).Conclusion Manual acupuncture can inhibit CFS induced reduction of serum IFN-γlevel and the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4in CFS rats

suggesting a favorable adjustment of acupuncture intervention for CFS by balancing the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4.