Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)on phosphalized extracellular regulated protein kinases(p-ERK)1/2signaling pathway and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αand IL-1βprotein levels in the substantia nigra(SN)in rats with Parkinson's disease(PD)

so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of PD.Methods 32 male SD rats were randomly and averagely divided into normal control group

sham-operation group

model group and EA group.PD model was established by intra-dermal-injection of rotenone(1mg/kg

dissolved in DMSO and saline

concentration:0.25mg/mL)at the nape

once daily for 14 days.EA(2Hz

2mA)was applied to"Fengfu"(GV 16)and"Taichong"(LR 3)for 20 min

once daily for14 days.For sham-operation group

subcutaneous injection of the same dose of DMSO and saline was given in the same way.The expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)

p-ERK 1/2

inflammatory cytokines TNF-αand IL-1βproteins of the SN tissue were detected using Western blot.The rat's horizontal and vertical movement ability was assessed using open-field tests.Results The horizontal and vertical movement scores were significantly lower in the model group than in the normal control group

and markedly higher in the EA group than in the model group(P<0.05).Compared with the normal control group

the expression level of TH protein in the SN was significantly reduced in the model group(P<0.05)

while the expression levels of pERK 1/2

TNF-αand IL-1βproteins were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05).After EA intervention

the expression level of TH protein was significantly increased(P<0.05)

and those of p-ERK 1/2

TNF-αand IL-1βproteins were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05)in the EA group compared to the model group.Conclusion EA therapy may improve PD rats' movement ability

which may be associated with its effects in down-regulating the expression levels of p-ERK 1/2

TNF-αand IL-1βproteins and up-regulating the expression of TH protein in the SN.