Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)stimulation of"Zusanli"(ST 36)on intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)mRNA expression and mast cell(MC)distribution in the stimulated subcutaneous tissues in normal rats

so as to study the correlation between ICAM-1mRNA expression and MC activity during EA.Methods Twenty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to normal group and EA group.EA(2Hz/15 Hz

0.1mA)stimulation was applied to the bilateral"Zusanli"(ST 36)for 25 min.The expression of ICAM-1mRNA in subcutaneous tissues of the left"Zusanli"(ST 36)area was detected by in situ hybridization

and MC activity of the same tissues was observed under microscope after staining with acetylcholine esterase(AChE)and toluidine blue(TB

counterstaining)

respectively.Results Compared with the normal group

the ICAM-1mRNA expressed at a markedly higher level in the subcutaneous tissues of the"Zusanli"(ST 36)region in the EA group(P<0.01)

and MC counts were also significantly increased in the EA group(P<0.01).Conclusion EA stimulation up-regulates the expression of ICAM-1mRNA and enhances MC release from the stimulated regional subcutaneous tissue in healthy rats

suggesting ICAM-1played an important role in affecting the movement and recruitment of MCs towards acupoint during EA.