Objective To observe the influence of electroacupuncture(EA)stimulation of"Zusanli"(ST 36)and"Kunlun"(BL 60)on serum and knee-joint IL-17 and IL-23 contents in rheumatoid arthritis(RA)rats so as to study its underlying mechanism in improving RA.Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to normal control

RA model

EA and Prednisolone groups(n=8in each group).The RA model was established by intra-planta injection of incomplete Freund's adjuvant and type Ⅱ collagen.EA(2Hz/100 Hz

1-2mA)was applied to bilateral"Zusanli"(ST 36)and "Kunlun"(BL 60)for 30 min

once daily for 10 days.The rats' ankle diameter was measured

and IL-17 and IL-23 contents in the serum and the knee-joint cavity were assayed by ELISA and Western blot

respectively.Results In comparison with the normal control group

the rats' ankle diameter

serum IL-17 and IL-23 contents and knee-joint IL-17 and IL-23 protein expression levels were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05).After EA and Prednisolone treatment

compared with the model group

all the rats' ankle diameter

serum IL-17 and IL-23 contents and knee-joint IL-17 and IL-23 protein expression levels were decreased remarkably(P<0.05).No obvious differences were found between the EA and Prednisolone groups in the aforementioned indexes(P>0.05)

except IL-17 protein expression level(being markedly lower in the Prednisolone group than in the EA group).Conclusion EA intervention can reduce inflammatory reaction of the ankle-joint in RA rats

which may be related to its effects in down-regulating serum and knee-joint IL-17 and IL-23 levels.