Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)stimulation of"Xiaohai"(SI 8)and"Xiajuxu"(ST 39)on serum TNF-αand duodenal high mobility group protein B 1(HMGB 1)levels in rats with duodenal ulcer(DU)

so as to analyze its underlying mechanism in improving DU.Methods Forty SD rats were randomly divided into normal control

model

Xiaohai(SI 8)and Xiajuxu(ST 39)groups(n=10in each group).The DU model was established by intramuscular injection of10% Cysteamine hydrochloride(300mg/kg)

followed by taking water containing 1% Cysteamine hydrochloride for 48 h.EA(10Hz/50 Hz

1-3mA)was applied to bilateral SI 8and ST 39 for 30min

once a day for 10 days.The DU score(0-5score)was evaluated according to Moraes' method.Serum TNF-αcontent was determined by ELISA and duodenal HMGB 1expression was measured by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared to the normal control group

the DU score

serum TNF-αcontent

and duodenal HMGB 1expression level of the model group were significantly higher(P<0.01).Following EA intervention

the increased DU score

serum TNF-αcontent

and duodenal HMGB 1expression level were considerably down-regulated in the two EA groups in comparison with the model group(P<0.01

P<0.05)except HMGB 1in the SI 8group(P>0.05)

and the effect of EA of"Xiajuxu"(ST 39)

the lower-He point

was remarkably superior to that of"Xiaohai"(SI 8)in reducing DU score and TNF-αcontent(P<0.01).Conclusion EA stimulation of SI 8and ST 39 can improve duodenal ulceration in DU rats

which may be related to its effect in down-regulating serum TNF-αand duodenal HMGB 1expression.The therapeutic effect of ST 39 is markedly better than SI 8in relieving duodenal ulceration.